The Legacy Football League was a pioneering grassroots programme designed to empower young people in East London, using football as a tool to combat social issues, build skills, and create opportunities. The project was directed by Bob Singha and project managed by Nayim Ahmed (now full-time employee of the FA).

Running from 2021 to 2024, the league was funded by The London Legacy Development Corporation and supported young people from economically deprived backgrounds, many of whom were at risk of violence, struggling with mental health challenges and facing limited opportunities for personal development. Football became a platform for them to showcase their talents, stay safe and connect with others in their community, with over 300 young people participating over the three years, playing for local grassroots teams across Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Waltham Forest.

At the heart of the programme was a focus not only on football but also on holistic growth through CIC’s mindset coaching. These young players gained more than just football training—they were also provided with the coaching, mentoring and guidance needed to help them build stronger futures. Led by Bob Singha and Robin Lockhart, the mindset coaching ensured the young people had the tools to improve they game, overcome their personal challenges and unleash their potential. Their combined efforts focused on nurturing resilience, improving mental health and fostering leadership qualities.

A key highlight of the programme was the opportunity for young players to compete at the London Stadium Community Pitch, located next to the iconic London Stadium in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This setting not only provided participants with a world-class playing field but also inspired them by connecting them to the rich history of London’s sporting culture.

Alongside the football training and mindset coaching, the Legacy Football League was also documented and amplified through cutting-edge media produced by the YouMeUs.TV media team, led by Aran Knowles. The media team captured and showcased the incredible stories of the participants, offering them a platform to share their journeys and performances with the world. Through high-quality social media content, the programme not only raised the profiles of young people within the community but also helped amplify their voices on a wider stage. This was never more clearly demonstrated than through our regular weekly highlights and interviews with the players and managers from the league:

The league was powered by a strong partnership between CIC, the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the London FA and the Greater London Authority (GLA), all of whom recognised the power of sport to engage, uplift and transform young lives. Through this unique collaboration, we delivered a programme that went beyond traditional football leagues. It provided a safe space for young people to thrive, gave them the tools to develop professionally and created a sense of belonging and community—while also offering a clear pathway for personal growth, from grassroots to potential professional opportunities.

The Legacy Football League leaves a lasting impact on its participants. By providing young people with the opportunity to excel in football and gain crucial skills, we’ve helped them unlock new career pathways, develop leadership abilities and build stronger, more resilient futures.

CIC continues to build on this success, creating lasting change through sport, community engagement and youth development.