From 4.00pm - 7.00pm on Thursday 28 August 2025, we hosted a fantastic youth engagement event at Walton and Hersham FC’s home turf – The Xcel Sports Hub.
The Walton and Hersham FC Youth Event was a successful initiative that was built on a set of resident engagement goals that we set out in May. One of the key aims in these goals was to increase engagement with our younger residents and make sure their voices are heard, as we recognise that they may one day grow to live in PA homes of their own; so, building relationships with and supporting them is incredibly important to us.
The Resident Involvement Team and Neighbourhood Coordinators planned and delivered this event, using their strong local knowledge and connections.
We were delighted to work with Walton and Hersham Football Club, who kindly hosted the event at their ground and provided the training sessions. Megan from our Resident Involvement Team currently plays for Walton and Hersham's women’s team and was able to draw on her connections to put this event together.
Who took part in the fun?
The sessions were led by the women’s first team and aimed at young people aged 6-17, with particular focus on children from St John's Estate and the surrounding areas.
We partnered with Joe Brine, Chief Executive Officer of Walton and Hersham FC, aiming to use the event to showcase the value of our partnerships and local knowledge to create a meaningful day for young people as well as set a strong foundation for future events we can hold like this – not just in sports!
Also in attendance was Monica Harding, local MP for the area, who was delighted to take part and said: “Walton and Hersham are doing such a fantastic thing for the community, bringing these kids down and getting them to meet the players. There’s such an enthusiasm and everyone is so joyous about the event. Well done to everyone involved.”
How the day 'kicked off'
The day started with wet weather as things kicked into gear, but spirits remained high and once the skies cleared, the 12 children who attended were eager to get onto the pitch.
The training was full of energy, with plenty of competition, penalty shootouts, teamwork and laughter. We saw potential future footballers practicing their skills and new friendships forming!
After the session, the young residents were invited into the stands to hear from Joe, who shared the story of the club, his vision for the future, and what this partnership event means to him. He said: “It’s important we act as the go-to for families and for kids. This is hopefully going to be a regular thing. Away from the football, this is also about a social and a health programme for our future generation.”
Joe then gave everyone a tour of the club shop, the stadium (including the trophy room and locker room), before leading the children out through the tunnel, just like the first team do on match days.
The children then continued upstairs into the players’ lounge, where they got to meet the men’s first team. Each young resident received a Walton and Hersham scarf, collected autographs, and took photos with the players.
The entire day was filled with smiles, excitement, and a real sense of community spirit. Both children and parents expressed how much they enjoyed the day and how valuable it was in creating positive opportunities for our younger residents.
One of the children said, “I’m having fun!”
A group of children said they would come again.
Another child said, “This is so cool!”
One parent said, “It’s good to have these events happening as it's hard to get kids into football clubs.”
Another parent mentioned, “It’s so nice to sit back and watch my kids having fun.”
Defender Lia Davies, who also assisted with the event said: “Walton is obviously a very family-based club and I think this is a good demonstration of that. As a player, I want to help out with that as much as I can.”
Academy graduate Thabo Kuaho said: “I came through the Walton academy and I’m a local boy so I’m really around the community. I believe something like this is very good for community building, getting to know all the kids in the area, and show that you can bond through football, both on and off the pitch.”
The ‘Swans’ were delighted to have hosted the event and look forward to working with us to offer similar opportunities in the future. We’d encourage anybody living locally to attend one of their future training events or just to go to a game to support their great work in the community.
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