More Than Football: A Year of Activity and Connection
Looking back at Chizuk’s Men’s Football Project, June 2025 to May 2026.
Regular physical activity is important for both physical and mental wellbeing, yet finding suitable opportunities is not always easy, particularly for men in the Orthodox Jewish community.
With funding from Sport England, Chizuk set up a football programme to make physical activity more accessible, while giving men an opportunity to meet others and enjoy playing together.
A Year of Football
Working with Born4Sport and coach Lloyd Boateng, Chizuk organised football sessions at Tottenham Powerleague.
Over the year, 50+ men took part across active weeks, with sessions including warm-ups, football coaching and team matches.
The programme welcomed men with different levels of experience, focusing on participation and enjoyment rather than competition alone.
What We Noticed
As the sessions progressed, we noticed changes in how participants played and interacted with one another.
Teamwork and communication improved, with less criticism during matches and a more disciplined approach to the game. The coaching also helped participants become more aware of safe play and injury prevention.
The social side was equally important. For some, the weekly sessions became a regular opportunity to meet people they might not otherwise have spent time with.
Beyond the Project
One outcome we were particularly pleased to see was participants starting to arrange and pay for their own football sessions outside the programme.
This was something Chizuk had hoped to encourage from the beginning. Rather than relying entirely on organised activities, participants were beginning to make their own arrangements to stay active.
What Comes Next?
The experience has given Chizuk a better understanding of the practical barriers that can prevent men from taking part in physical activity, and how these can be addressed.
Participants also expressed interest in other sports, something Chizuk will consider when planning future activities.
The project reflects an important part of Chizuk’s approach to wellbeing. Not every difficulty requires a formal intervention. Making everyday opportunities more accessible can also make a difference.
Chizuk thanks Sport England for funding the project, Born4Sport and coach Lloyd Boateng for delivering the sessions, and all the men who participated.