As a group serving children ages 3 to 17 in the community through weekly football activities at Beckton District Park, we have seen firsthand how sport is playing a vital role in keeping our children off the streets and diverting them from dangerous paths such as gang involvement. Our service had been made possible through the use of a storage facility within the park where we kept our equipment. However, recent renovations on the building have forced us to move our equipment, resulting in considerable logistical challenges in providing these important services to our children. Lack of storage has hindered our operations and limited our resources, impacting the consistency and the quality of our sporting activities.

It is heartening to know that in the UK in 2018, local parks, like Beckton District Park, were used by 58% of adults, highlighting their central role in community life. More than half of these adults participated in health and exercise activities in these parks (Fields in Trust, 2018), not including countless children who rely on these spaces for their wellbeing and social growth. However, the discontinuation of our storage facility threatens this progress

One Touch FC, a local football club that plays a vital role in engaging young boys and girls in our community. I am seeking your support to gain a storage facility.

One Touch FC serves as much more than a football club; it is a cornerstone for youth development in our area. They provide young boys and girls with a structured environment where they can learn discipline, teamwork, and leadership while staying physically active. The club also acts as a positive alternative to potentially harmful influences, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging that keeps them away from trouble.

Through football, one touch fc mentor the players and install life skills that extend beyond the pitch. Many of these young individuals come from challenging backgrounds, and the club offers a safe space where they can build friendships, develop confidence, and focus their energy constructively. Without adequate storage for the equipment, they will struggle to maintain these activities and continue making this positive difference in their lives.

I understand that resources and space are limited, but I firmly believe that retaining this storage facility is an investment in our community’s future. The benefits of providing these young boys and girls with a constructive outlet are immeasurable, contributing to reduced anti-social behavior and a stronger, more cohesive neighborhood.

Hence, we - devoted coaches, parents, and community members - earnestly petition the relevant local authorities to support us in obtaining a new storage container for our football equipment at Beckton District Park South. By doing so, they will be preserving a beloved community service that fosters healthy, positive activities for our children while helping to steer them away from negative influences. Please sign our petition to keep football alive for our community's kids at Beckton District Park.