In summer of 2023 Seen the Stories connected with Frenford Clubs, a thoroughly unique place with a long standing history of always putting young people first. This project, Frenford Stories, has been created to showcase just some of the incredible staff, volunteers and of course, the young people who together, form part of this community.
I wish to thank Irfan Shah and Neal Akhtar for their support and belief in my work. We wish to thank Colours of Redbridge for their support and continuing to ensure such projects become a reality.
Photography & accompanying text by Meg Khan © 2024
For me to be seen means:
'...that I am taken seriously as a young person and for people to recognise the diversity in the sports that I am part of.'
For me to be seen is:
'...putting myself out there to showcase my ability for the sport I love.'
Adam plays for the U18 team and the U23 reserves. He is a hardworking team player who enjoys helping his community.
I would describe Frenford Clubs as:
'...as a place where I feel free and can be myself. Everyone here is so friendly, caring and want to support me.'
Listening to Alejandro speak of his experiences at Frenford, creates a tangible feeling of how this is a happy place for him.
For me to be seen is:
'...to be in those moments when I can be me.'
Aarna plays Badminton each week and is developing her confidence. This high achieving student finds solace and friendship at Frenford Clubs.
Football Coach and Mentor.
For me to be seen means:
'...to be a part of a team. And this team called Frenford makes a real difference in so many young lives.'
For me to be seen is:
'...when people get to know me, truly.'
Following in his brother's footsteps, Ameer wanted to become part of Frenford. What began with weekly badminton sessions to meeting new people, one day he hopes to also volunteer and make an impact.
U10s Girls Football Coach
For me to be seen means:
‘As a hijabi muslim woman it's very important for me to be seen and that, in a positive way. My children are my greatest motivation and it was my girls who inspired me to volunteer and become a Frenford coach.
It has been a truly fulfilling role.’
Volunteer Badminton Coach
For me to be seen:
'...by those who mean a great deal to me, is precious.'
Aaron has spent most of his life coming to Frenford - this is like home.
Mentor, Football Coach and Facilitator
For me to be seen:
'...is when I am a part of this establishment and community, and our young people feel that they can approach me.'
For me to be seen means:
'That the South Asian community is recognised within professional sports, particularly football.'
As part of her work experience placement at Frenford, Ananya spent time with the range of staff, volunteers and young people. Her passion for Frenford Clubs was clear, she wanted to dedicate her time to this place.
For me to be seen means:
'...when I feel that I don't need to remain quiet, it's when I can interact with other people.'
Abdel has been coming to Frenford every week, for two years. Here he can be himself, amongst kind people and become the athlete he aspires to be.
For me to be seen means:
'For people to see my talent and just who I am.'
Beyond the gentle manner I discovered, a witty young man keen to be the best goalkeeper he can be for Frenford Clubs one day.
What inspired you to become a volunteer at Frenford?
‘I love sports and I have enjoyed developing my skills in badminton over the past four years.
I wanted to help others to grow their passion for sports and make new friends.’
For me to be seen means:
'...you will understand my passion for sports.'
Witnessing the wonderful connection between Dawad and his father, it's clear to see how Frenford creates a space for such relationships to prosper even further.
I would describe Frenford Clubs as:
'...the place that will support me in achieving my dream.'
A goalkeeper now, a coach in the future. Emilis' plans are clear and at Frenford he is certain he will make them a reality.
What inspired you to become a volunteer at Frenford?
'The coaches - they have made every session I have taken part in as a football player so enjoyable. I wanted to support them to offer it to more young people.'
Describing herself, Julie admits she's a little crazy for football!
I would describe Frenford Clubs as:
'Here you can find what might be missing elsewhere in your life. A family, friendships and people who have your best intentions at heart.
All walks of life fill Frenford and I have dedicated over forty five years to this special place.'
For me to be seen means:
'...that people understand that I am working hard to be a great footballer and a good human.'
Head Coach Frenford MSA WFC
What inspired you to work at Frenford?
‘Representation is important, to be a positive role model. I have experienced first hand the importance of being seen and how it can help break barriers. I want to give girls opportunities I didn’t have, football brought me so much joy as a child and I want to pass this on.’
For me to be seen means:
'It is very important so that your qualities and the real you are seen.'
Haseeb has been coming here for eight years.
Frenford Clubs is his trusted neighbour.
How would you describe the Frenford community?
'Welcoming, helpful and always so much fun.'
Volunteer Table Tennis Coach
I would describe Frenford Clubs as:
'It has made me the man I am today. This place wants you to grow and do something you are passionate about. I have been able to be dedicated, develop and give back as much as I can.'
For me to be seen means:
'...that people can understand that kindness means everything to me.'
Describing his time on the Basketball court, Leonel smiles, already beaming, he begins to radiate.
Frenford is a rather happy place for this young man.
Delivers sports programme and manages youth football team
What inspired you to work at Frenford?
'The idea of supporting young people and being a good role model.'
As a PE teacher by day, having completed a Masters in Education, for Hamsa improving diversity in football, holds real meaning.
How would you describe the Frenford community?
'I grew up here, this is also home.'
With her parents firmly part of Frenford, for Kelsey, the walls of this place wrap themselves around her.
Badminton Coach for beginner-intermediate players
What inspired you to work at Frenford?
'This community is very diverse and accepting. It is an exciting environment where I have felt inspired to become a volunteer by seeing what coaches have done for others.'
For me to be seen means:
'...all is good!'
Jack shares, as he shows me around Frenford so proudly.
How would you describe the Frenford?
'I am so proud to be part of such a community.'
With her lucky football boot in hand, Lillian wanted to showcase the importance of the impact Frenford has had on her.
For me to be seen means:
'That my ambitions to achieve as a football player and businessman, are recognised.
I feel being at Frenford has made one half of that dream begin.'
Football Coach and Youth Sports Mentor
What inspired you to work at Frenford?
'I am inspired to bring smiles on the faces of young people and always create an amazing experience. This community is an incredible family, where everyone is welcome with positivity and joy.'
For me to be seen means:
'...that at Frenford, I am seen in an environment that encourages me, supports and develops my character.
My goal is to thrive at a place like this.'
For me to be seen is...
‘...when everyone is able to learn about your story. This helps to inspire others and encourages them to join Frenford Clubs, become a part of this community and partake in the range of incredible physical activities on offer.’
Football Coach and front office team
What inspired you to work at Frenford?
'It's one of a kind.
To this very day, I have never seen anything like Frenford Clubs.'
For me to be seen means:
'...not to be the centre of attention but people can see that I like to talk and make new friends. At Frenford I have been able to do just that.'
Badminton Coach
What inspired you to become a volunteer at Frenford?
‘To be part of this community of coaches, to encourage other young people to develop a love for sports and physical activities.’
For me to be seen is:
'...for people to understand how far I have come and where I want to go. Here, I feel empowered and encouraged.'
How would you describe the Frenford community?
'This is a safe place where you feel part of a family.
There are so many opportunities for young people, all through the hard work of everyone who works here. They each create spaces for the youth to develop and be accepted in.'
For me to be seen is:
'...acknowledge my ability, dedication and dream to be the best sportsman I can become.'
And that dedication exists in Milan's every, single, day. The training, running, through to developing stamina and strength, this young man stands by his word.
For me to be seen is:
'That's simple - when I am playing football. That's me.'
For me to be seen is:
'...to have the right to be heard, acknowledged and that your opinions are valid.'
Nafeesa's competitive nature stems from a family full of sportspeople. That instinct she uses in all aspects of her life.
Assistant Head of Youth Football
How would you describe the Frenford community?
‘Inspirational and a community that is always giving back.’
For me to be seen is:
‘...when people know that I am a nice person. I will help anyone in need and do whatever I can to support people.
This is really important to me.’
How would you describe the Frenford community?
'A place where young people are seen, heard and always encouraged.'
For me to be seen is:
'...for people to understand me and all I wish to achieve.'
His love for the game began whilst playing football with his brother. Joining Frenford years later, Nooruddin saw the rewards of his hard work. As a right back, this mature young man, thrives to fulfil his role to protect.
For me to be seen is:
‘...that I care for people and wish to help in any way I can. I like the feeling at Frenford because this is exactly what happens here.’
All round support for Frenford Clubs
What inspired you to become a volunteer at Frenford?
'I came one day to watch my husband play football thirty years ago and the rest, as they say, is history.'
For me to be seen is:
'...when your voice is heard.
This is something I appreciate and value.'
Coach for U16 Football team and recreational sessions
What inspired you to become a volunteer at Frenford?
‘I have always loved football and so I wanted to build on that by becoming a coach for younger players.’
How would you describe the Frenford community?
‘I began coming here because of my love for football. But this place has given me more, a place to escape in, feel calm and express myself.’
For me to be seen is:
'...for my views to be heard and to be noticed.
Here kindness is in every part of Frenford and because of that, I feel seen.'
Cricket Coach
What inspired you to work at Frenford?
‘My family have been a part of Frenford for over fifty years. I have a lot to be thankful for towards this place.
From friends, family, life skills and lessons. It’s my home from home. I do this because someone did it for me.’
I love to participate in:
'...football and other sports, spend time with my friends and enjoy this environment that I really love being in.'
For me to be seen is:
'...very helpful in building my character.'
Youth Basketball Coach
How would you describe the Frenford community?
‘Welcoming to all and a great environment to be in. It’s filled with committed, hard working people.
As someone who has the same work ethic and is a motivated individual, being here is right for me.’
For me to be seen is:
'...something to feel very grateful for, when it happens.'
How would you describe the Frenford community?
‘Really friendly. I have been playing football here for two years and now basketball for two weeks.’