I stumbled into futsal late. Originally a football player, I was thankful to have amazing mentors who fast-tracked my development. Genesis Futsal Club is a key part of London futsal—offering inclusive opportunities and breaking affordability barriers.

Football was my life. I played widely but never reached the elite level. At 11, everything changed when I broke my femur in a horror tackle. It shattered my dreams and began years of setbacks. I developed knock knees—common in young footballers—and had corrective surgery every summer from ages 11 to 16. The surgeries took a mental and physical toll. I could only take part in sport during short recovery windows each year.

Thankfully, I found consistency in cross country and the 1500m. The lower impact allowed me to compete, and I occasionally competed. But every time I gained form, another surgery reset my progress. At 18, with sport absent, life felt repetitive and soulless. Thankfully, Genesis Futsal Club helped me rekindle a fire that felt extinguished.

I began as a support coach in the mixed kids’ sessions, observing and learning under others. Trevor quickly pushed me to grow, encouraging me to assist with the senior women’s side led by Nelo—a former international player with an incredible eye for detail. I contributed to training, helped with match prep, and occasionally stepped in when needed. After some time, I became treasurer, where I help manage club finances such as budgeting and record keeping.

In summer 2023, Trevor suggested we start a girls’ team—the first in club history beyond the senior women’s side. We had two standout players already, and I had the network to build more. Within two months, we were competing in tournaments against academy-level boys—and holding our own. A month later, we won our first futsal tournament. That success confirmed we had something special. We launched a girls-only session focused on long-term, holistic development. As head coach for the girls’ side, I now lead sessions, coordinate fixtures, and help shape individual player pathways—several of whom have gone on to represent major academies across London and Brighton.

It’s not just about technical excellence—we instil community values: respect, maturity, and kindness. Our goal is a strong culture where young people thrive.

Regans FC also played a big role in my growth. Through them, I worked in a variety of South London schools with children of all needs, including many who were neurodivergent. This taught me to adapt sessions to support and challenge every child.

After realising the impact I could have, I wanted more challenge and growth—and that came through LYG33 (London Youth Games). I was drawn in by confident youth leading the induction—showcasing skills schools rarely teach. It highlighted areas I needed to develop.

The residential retreat challenged me to speak publicly, connect with new people, and engage in bigger conversations. LYG33 helped expand my view of sport as a tool for inclusion, leadership, and personal development. The culture is empowering: staff and youth co-create a future where sport is inclusive, purposeful, and youth-led. Like Genesis, it’s something I joined later than others, but I’ve made the most of it. That mindset paid off—especially thanks to Ellie, who’s pushed me into a growth zone. From encouraging me to network at the Youth Sport Forum to creating social media posts to share our work, and nominating me for brilliant opportunities, she’s helped unlock new sides of me.

I’m a computer science student deeply involved in sport—a combination I’m proud of. I love that I’m not just “futsal.” LYG33 helped me embrace that dual path. It’s shown me how to build community, break barriers, and reimagine sport across all levels—no matter where the borders lie.