Who am I?
Helping our beneficiaries develop a pro-social identity and find their fit in community
It’s that time of year again when we get an opportunity to reflect on a year gone by and look forward to the opportunities a new year brings. From everyone at Street Soccer Academy we extend our best wishes to those who take an interest in our work and hope that 2025 is a prosperous and fulfilling year for all.
Like for many of us in our personal lives, 2024 brought about many challenges for Street Soccer Academy, whether that be related to the change in the UK government, tightening cost of living or operational changes in the sectors we work. We can however report that, in an ever-changing landscape, we have been able to find a level of consistency and stability meaning that our work continues to offer vital support to individuals at transitional points in their life, particularly those in or heading towards crisis. The success we have enjoyed in 2024 is down to our fantastic team (pictured right) who provide help on many different levels. We have an expectation in respect to the level of professionalism we offer through our programmes, but, it is the level of care for the individual that each of our members of staff excel. It is here that, we believe, sets Street Soccer Academy apart from other organisations who may do similar work. Our Senior Management Team extend a massive thanks to the staff working on our frontline on a daily basis.
Over the year we engaged with approximately 400 individuals through our Custody and Community programmes. As has always been our mission we look to challenge the attitudes, thinking and behaviour of all our beneficiaries to help deal with needs that each individual may have. Working with each individual we look to implement a plan for constructive resettlement based upon the beneficiaries own ambitions, helping them develop their own identity based on their strengths, interests and goals. Our role in this is to set targets along the way, motivate individuals to keep focused on the end goal and to find the help and support each will need from various agencies from within the community. It is in providing this kind of very personalised support that the work of the SSA Connections Centre comes into the fore, with each individual provided with regular appraisals with our staff and access to our Connections Centre Helpline. All this to help our beneficiaries develop their own identity and find their fit in community.
Evidence of the effectiveness of programmes is reflected in the following data which is collated from end of programme feedback from beneficiaries. The data is related to beneficiaries own assessment of engagement with Street Soccer Academy
Beneficiaries seeing personal improvement in:-
• Work related skills 92% • Mental health & wellbeing 93% • Ability to deal with challenges 88% • Ability to communicate with others 98% • Confidence about the future 89% • Physical health/fitness 100%
Many thanks to all those who have supported us in our work in 2024. Hopefully the above stats show that our work is having a positive impact in the lives of many and in ways that do not always grab the headlines. To be able to offer hope and confidence about the future to many individuals is a privilege and we thank you for the interest you have in the work that we do.
Coming Up in 2025
In 2025 Street Soccer Academy celebrates 20 years since it’s inception. Started as a project of an Manchester inner city charity by Andrew Thorp, predominantly working with the homeless community. Since 2005 the work has grown, with Andrew co-founding Street Soccer Academy in 2009 with current Chief Operating Officer, Simon Murphy. The organisation achieved charitable status in 2011 and has since won numerous awards for the work with disadvantaged individuals. Street Soccer Academy is an associate member of the Manchester County FA, an England Football Accredited Adult Club and offers learning programmes accredited by AQA.
Look our for news on our social media channels regarding our plans to celebrate our anniversary throughout 2025.
What Our Beneficiaries Said About us in 2024
Below is a selection of extracts from service user feedback questionnaires and appraisals
“The course is very good for both physical and mental health and I understand more about both. It has helped me with my dieting, training and sleep routine”
“The course made me learn to work in a team. I enjoyed the practical side and the theory of the course. I learned a lot about how to be disciplined and reasons why training helps you mentally.”
“The course is brilliant if you are thinking about getting into coaching children or adults. It also helps you build confidence and fitness”
“Really well put together course. Lots of transferable life skills to learn and benefit from”
Case Study (In the words of Alex)
“A friend recommended signing up for the course after benefitting from Street Soccer Academy’s support for himself. I had always been a keen football fan but never really got involved as a player. The SSA Coach reassured me that my lack of experience was not an issue and eased any worries I had.
I thoroughly enjoyed the course, completing all three levels, enhancing my playing skills alongside developing new skills of listening, presentation, discussion, team work, communication, motivation, mentoring, resilience, organisation and work ethic .
I learned new processes such as giving constructive criticism and feedback as well as skills for future employability.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the SSA staff for the support, encouragement and mentorship they have given me. It has, at times, been over & beyond and I totally appreciate them all. It is the only course I’ve done with intensive after support and I look forward to the future with renewed confidence.”
After completing the three levels of the SSA Programme Alex received the support of the SSA Connections Centre, ensuring positive resettlement back into community. After ensuring the two basic fundamentals of accommodation and legitimate income were sourced, Alex is now able to access the indefinite support of the SSA Connections Centre should additional issues arise as he settles back into community. Access to the SSA Regional Centres is available to him if he requires personal contact with a member of the SSA Staff at any time.
