Get Fit for Life: Building Confidence Through Sport

Every week, young people from across Waterloo and North Southwark come to the Colombo Centre to do more than play football or work out in the gym. They come to build confidence, make friends and spend time with trusted adults who believe in their potential.

Made possible through Southwark Council's Positive Future for Young People fund, Coin Street's Get Fit for Life programme provides a safe, welcoming space where young people can be active, develop new skills and feel part of their community.

Over the past year, 95 young people have taken part in weekly gym and football sessions. What began as a sports programme has become a place where young people from different schools, backgrounds and circumstances come together, form lasting friendships and develop a stronger sense of belonging.

The impact reaches far beyond sport. Ninety-four per cent of participants say they feel part of their community, while 78% report increased confidence. Through trusted relationships and positive role models, young people are overcoming barriers linked to anxiety, injury, social isolation and financial disadvantage.

One young person in care had never attended a live football match before. With encouragement from the team, he found the confidence to go.

Danny, Youth & Community Programmes Coordinator, explains:

"He had never been to a live football match before. It took several conversations over a month to build his confidence to come along. Just attending was a huge achievement. Opportunities like this make a real difference for young people who otherwise wouldn't have the chance. Seeing the players they'd only watched on television was something really special."

Parents have noticed the difference too.

Seb, Community Programmes Lead Worker, recalls:

"A mum came over after one session to thank us. Her son had always been shy, but she'd seen a real change in his confidence and willingness to make friends. She said the welcoming atmosphere had made all the difference."

By creating welcoming, inclusive activities where participation matters more than performance, Coin Street is helping young people develop confidence, resilience and stronger social networks. Families benefit from knowing their children have somewhere safe to go, trusted adults to turn to and opportunities to realise their potential.

Every young person deserves somewhere they feel safe, valued and able to thrive. Get Fit for Life is helping make that happen - one session, one friendship and one opportunity at a time.