As we enter the festive period Brentford FC Community Sports Trust are reviewing 2024 with our own Christmas Impact Countdown. We will be reflecting on some key highlights over the last 12 months and sharing the impact they have had across west London and beyond.
Day 1 - Building Bridges with Brentford’s South Asian Community
In the past six months, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has made significant strides in connecting with South Asian communities across Hounslow and Ealing. Recognising the need to address underrepresentation, the Trust has launched key initiatives that prioritise inclusion, health, and community connection.
Premier League Fan’s Fund: Connecting Communities
Since April 2024, the Trust has been leading a research project funded by the Premier League Fan’s Fund. The project focuses on identifying and understanding barriers to participation in football among South Asian communities.
By gathering insights, the Trust aims to develop tailored solutions to enhance engagement and accessibility, ensuring that football becomes a welcoming and inclusive space for all. This work not only addresses local needs but also aligns with the Trust’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Free to Be Me: Health and Wellbeing Project
Launched in June 2024, the Free to Be Me project—delivered in partnership with Lampton Leisure and funded by Hounslow Council’s Public Health team—promotes physical activity among young people aged 11–15.
The initiative provides two sessions per week over 16 weeks, with one session specifically targeting South Asian females, a group often underrepresented in sports. Through collaboration with school nursing teams, the programme identifies children with a high BMI who would benefit from these activities, addressing both health and confidence.
Looking Ahead: A Focus on Inclusion
Achieving representative participation remains a cornerstone of the Trust’s 2025–2026 EDI Strategy. With 30–40% of the local population being South Asian, increasing their participation is a vital goal. To sustain this momentum, the Trust has secured continuation funding for the Fan’s Fund project through July 2025 and plans to roll out further bespoke programmes.
These initiatives mark an essential step in fostering meaningful connections and supporting the diverse communities of Brentford and beyond. By breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion, the Trust continues to ensure that football and community activities are accessible and impactful for everyone.
As we celebrate this initiative as part of our 12 Days of Impact, it serves as a powerful reminder of the power in diverse communities and the role that organisations like the Trust play in promoting active inclusion and participation for all sections of the community.