Wembley Football organises a range of free football activities that:
(1) Encourages children and young people to live healthier and more active lifestyles by playing both recreational and organised football
(2) Provide a safe and fun environment for children and young people to play football as well as contribute towards community cohesion and development
(3) Use football to help develop key life skills and raise awareness about issues affecting local youngsters (such as mental health, personal safety and jobs and employment).
After discovering the London borough of Brent – the home of English football and Wembley Stadium has never had its own football league, former Local Councillor Zaffar Van Kalwala and local youth group, Connect Stars with support from Wembley Stadium set-up the Wembley Super League (WSL) to provide a much-needed facility for young people in Brent.
Played during the summer evenings and weekends, the WSL features free 11-a-side league competitions for 13-15 year olds. All matches are played at a central venue in Wembley. The aim is to create activities for young people during the school holidays and to help prevent gang and knife crime, especially as many local youth facilities have been closed down.
The Wembley Cup first took place on International Women’s Day in 2020. It was started by former Local Councillor, Zaffar Van Kalwala and Connect Stars with support from Wembley Stadium to celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions made by women in the local community.
Featuring over 100 young women and girls aged 10 – 13 years old, 7-a-side teams play a series of group matches and knock-out contests to determine the tournament champions.
Wembley Cup also aims to inspire and help break down barriers for women and girls in sport and to live more active lifestyles.