My initiative is designed for and delivered in London
Yes
I am 18 years of age or above, by the application deadline.
Yes
My organisation is a registered UK entity and has a London-based address.
Yes
My organisation is a non-profit (e.g. school, university, or local authority) — not a for-profit, which can only join as a partner.
Yes
If there is a for-profit organisation as a partner in my initiative, they work on a cost-recovery basis only.
Yes
My solution is implemented at scale, or if not, I have a clear business plan, a minimum viable solution (prototype, pilot, or proof of concept), evidence of access to a lease for the space you are leveraging, and evidence of work or impact in London within your coalition.
Yes
I am aware that, if I am submitting more than one application to a Challenge run by Ashoka and Go! London, only one of them is able to progress through the stages.
Yes
Are you an employee (and their children and grandchildren) of Ashoka or any of its respective affiliates and participating advertising and promotion agencies?
No
I have read and accepted the Challenge Terms & Conditions.
Yes
First Name
Angela
Last Name
Essien
Pronouns
She/Her
Email address
I would like to receive notifications and updates about Go London!, Ashoka, Ashoka Changemakers, and other Ashoka opportunities.
1
Are you an Ashoka Fellow?
No
Are you applying from an organization founded by an Ashoka Fellow?
No
If you are applying from an organization founded by an Ashoka Fellow, please specify the name and organisation of the fellow below.
Lead Organisation Name
Eyukamba Foundation Arts-A-Light
Year that you started/ registered your organisation
1998
Initiative Title
Spring2Life Footie Fest
My initiative is designed for and delivered in London
1
Website URL(s) or Social Media Handles
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008660042773 and artsalight.sound
Initiative Stage
Pilot-Stage (The first activities have happened, and you have proof of concept)
Sectors/Themes: What topic does your project most directly relate to?
Children & Youth
Initiative Summary: Describe your initiative in one sentence
Following a fatal youth violence incident, our project Spring2Life Footie Fest 2026 is reimagining the spaces for sports and play at our Youth Centre/Community Hub at Coram’s Fields. The main aim of the project, is to accommodate the new dynamic innovatively yet sensitively, redirecting the focus positively. We will curate a series of activities to facilitate healing, inclusivity and community cohesion in non-threatening ways with: In the footsteps of the 2026 FIFA World Cup celebrations, we will use the book/DVD ‘Thank God for Football’ as a resource to raise awareness about the history and legacy of football in the UK because not many know that the earliest English Premiership Clubs started from Sunday Schools/Churches as the names of the clubs/stadiums/anthems reflect. Football Film Screenings and Quizzes. Football Songs/Music and Dance/Movement Contests. Football Themed Costume Show, an exhibition of some of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countries as interpreted and made by the participants. The Footie Fest Crew and those that feel that, they do not belong to the other teams so join the marketing/media team. A Showcase/Fan-zone of entertainment/activities learned with awards given by our local celebrity & director of ‘Bend it like Beckham’ film, Gurinder Chadha.
The Problem: What problem are you helping to solve and who will benefit the most from your solution? How close are you to the problem and/or community impacted?
My family have known Coram’s Fields as a Haven of play, security and love more for the youths. Thomas Coram’s vision for the foundlings abandoned there was that they would grow up and become useful members of the society ‘giving back’ inspiring Children’s work like the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Creatives like Charles Dickens and George Frideric Handel’s, Handel’s Messiah. Our children went to Coram’s Fields Nursery. Our first son did his first work experience at the Youth Centre. I have run many workshops there and our Carnival Group was based there for years, over 20yrs ago teaching some of the now, youth leaders. The shock of the fatal stabbing of one Coram’s Fields’ youth by another, although the incident was in Islington, has shaken the youths and community. That is not the legacy we desire for Coram’s Fields or the sick children/their families that use the park for respite. Camden is one of London’s most unequal boroughs. A 7-year gap in life expectancy and child poverty rates of 43% show just how stark the divide is. Many face barriers to housing, work, and healthcare, local poverty and inequality. Coram’s Fields, in the heart of central London, affluence is assumed. According to the 2011 census of residents and over 30yrs experience, we have discovered that the communities the youths come from, face significant area-specific disadvantage of being overlooked as a result of their location, socio-economic, cultural, gender and ethnic background. A lot of the youths are carers of family members/support the carers playing a significant role in social responsibility. We will fight for Coram’s Fields, our community hub. We want to equip the youths with skills & break the cycle of poverty so that the Youth Centre becomes the central London heartbeat we know
Your approach: How are you/ will you addressing the problem outlined above? How does your solution unlock or reimagine access to spaces for sport and physical activity? What role do landowners, local authorities, or other decision-making stakeholders play in your approach? We'd love to know about the origin of your idea, and what was your "aha" moment" that led you to take action?
The Youth Centre Programme Manager and I had discussions after the youth violence incident and I wanted to see how we could help because we love Coram’s Fields. We have been linked to Coram’s Fields for 28yrs+. I have lived in the community for 34yrs+. Everyone saw our oversubscribed 2025 events were and wanted more. We wanted our events to do more regarding young people’s economic disadvantage, health and family challenges. Footie Fest was the most popular idea because it was the most diverse/inclusive/accessible solution alongside its perfect timing. We will be leading on the project although in association with Coram’s Fields Youth Centre. The project will run for 1yr and will consist of various open level activities/workshops in all the available spaces. There will be a diverse range of participants including non-football players and non-physical activities because it’s about the fun and not the competition. The Awards/Main Showcase will be in the final month. There will be the: • Football players and fitness buffs that will engage in physically playing fun football tournament for 3 age categories (6-11; 12-15 and 16-19) • Performing Arts team doing dance, movement and singing sessions. • Artists/Designers will design the flyers/costumes from around the world in the world cup tournament designing/producing life-sized interpretations of T-Shirts/Country themed costume. The workshops will be opportunities for: • Participants to learn new creative arts/life skills or showcase their skills whilst being informally educated and entertained paving way for employment • An average of 500 children/young people to get involved in the project and engage our community, connecting with them individually/collectively as families/groups fostering a sense of belonging
Collaboration with young people and the community: In what ways does your initiative engage young people and community members closest to the problem? What role do they play in building the solution you deliver?
Footie Fest will provide the youths/our community opportunities to participate in the processes from planning, sharing ideas to influencing decisions as we weigh the needs against goals and the context of the project aims/objectives. Once the project is approved, a team gets chosen that will include 40% of young people, 20% of community members and 40% of the collaboration leaders for the project management team. The collaboration project leaders will provide the project core aims and objectives and act as guides especially to inform the team of what resources there are/or not. Besides encouraging/empowering the youths to discover and develop their talents/abilities/skills we will provide a safe space and a healthy environment for them to express their unique perspective which should affirm them. Youths will co-create/produce with us and given training if needed as we plan on having some management team development sessions. This will give them more confidence to experiment creatively which can lead to a more impactful/successful project. We have realised that youths help us overcome barriers from the use of language, to points of view & youth culture. They open doors to new partnerships/collaborators, fresh insights and approach/strategies/technique. As we engage the youths, new communication doors will open for enhanced delivery & experiences of the project. Dialogue/respect of the youths and community generates a buy-in. Trust is built when people see honest care/investment in youths their families/communities. They open up and we can see the social issues/challenges. As we are allowed to help, address and provide a platform for solution of the matter/s. With this connection comes a cohesive community that will solve any problem including youth violence.
Potential for/Evidence of Impact: How do you imagine your initiative will make a difference in unlocking spaces for and access to physical activity and sport so far? If you have already implemented it, what difference have you made so far? What is the impact your initiative has had , and or what impact do you envision having in the future?
We believe that we are making some impact and that the diversity of this project will impact more youths/people in our community. The long-term vision is that this project becomes established and regular beyond the funding period as people find their niche. We do ‘Art with a Heart’. We find art in sports which makes sports accessible to all and fun transforming people. We hope that this project will transform the spaces making them fresh again with new possibilities thereby inspiring other visions and initiatives that will become assets to our community as transformation breeds innovation that unlocks potentials. The Coram’s Fields Leaders from project recruitment, are already discussing future long-term projects and because the youths are involved in it, they’re putting forward the projects for funding whenever they get the opportunity to sit in other panels. After this project, the youths have plans to develop/create a Youth Podcast that will give them a voice to discuss their issues; a Music, Fashion/Design Club, Dance, Club, etc. These will only be possible with funding. The Youth Centre Music Coordinator attended our workshops as a young teen that inspired his choices. He speaks to the youths, takes them on board during our projects and it’s awesome.
Innovation: What is different about your initiative compared to other solutions that are already out there? How is your approach original and innovative?
Footie Fest is the first of its kind that we know of, the first Football Festival with a combination of elements/artforms from the fun football tournament to Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Carnival/Combined Arts, the Footie Fest Crew to the Showcase/Fan-zone/Awards, Training/Development in creative arts, History & Awareness whilst uniting our community, (football lovers/not) are unique & innovative because they are personalised schemes created specifically for the Coram’s Fields & the community. • Engaging parents/carers who would normally be idle/waiting creates all-round satisfaction. • Our multiple artforms, fields & new interesting ways to support youths leaves no room for boredom or to engage in other things. • Facilitating/enabling Youth voice & representation encouraging them to participate. • Having clear areas will stir up a passion & activism, locally/internationally depending on what affects them. • A platform for new concepts, partnering with professionals/organizations in exchange programmes so youths can benefit from their expertise/employment • Schools/Youth Centres not being equipped or having the capacity to teach our level of creativity & young people with non-academic learning styles being excluded from education has a knock-on effect on confidence & mental wellbeing which is where our niche services/intervention are helpful. • Our preparation by seeking counselling/training for Trauma Informed Practice so we can better serve/support our youths/community post the youth violence incident is fulfilling. Footie Fest showcasing the transforming power of doing art with a heart & the culture in promoting/advocating integration & uniting communities which is effective in reducing youth violence by creating a sense of belonging & shared identity
Viability and Scalability: How are you setting your initiative up for success, and what is your plan to ensure operational sustainability of your solution and its impact? What are your ideas for scaling your initiative to the next level?
There are more than one million people engaged in football & Club community activity each season & more than one billion pounds worth of social value generated through the range of programmes delivered and the great impact they have. Having the right perspective, understanding the history the heritage and legacy would be wonderful for the young people because it will prepare them for life and help establish them to give back to their families and community. Coram’s Fields is not any different. It has programmes that offer children/young people free sports activities for 5-19year olds regardless of ability. They also offer children/young people their first exposure to sports, introducing them to new activities, opportunities, bespoke sports projects encompassing open access, free and purposeful sport and exercise including hires to corporate organisations. The established football pitches are some of the best facilities in London that has resulted in Coram’s Fields running the Camden Youth League alongside other free sports activities and programme weekly during term-time and school holidays. These create foundation on which to build networks, viability & scalability from. As I mentioned earlier, we are already discussing long-term Club projects that the youths want. After this project, the youths have plans to develop a Youth Podcast that will give them a voice to discuss their issues; a Music, Fashion/Design Club, Dance, Club, etc. We are already speaking to possible future collaborators like Podcast Producing Companies, Producers, Choreographers, Designers to showcase their work and skill on our Carnival Costume band, DJs/Presenters to use our carnival Sound System to try their DJing/Hosting skills. These will only be possible with funding, Collaborators & Part
Roles and Responsibilities: Describe how responsibilities are shared among your team or partners.
We will have a Project Management Team that will be led by the foundation but will include the Coram’s Fields Youth Centre Programme Manager, Head of Sports and the Out of School and some support staff like the social workers. They will guide the foundation regarding communication with the Coram’s Fields families and their young people because they know them best. There will also be some young people’s leaders including those that have gone through centre because we have seen the difference it makes. The young people see them as one of them, lean in more and buy in. There will be community members/leaders, local relevant professionals & representatives of the funders that have time to spare. When the funding comes through, the project management team will be selected in association with the Coram’s Fields team. Angela, the project lead, holds a Masters’ degree in documentary film making and founded the University of the Arts, London’s Film Society. She is also holder of a Theatre Arts Undergraduate degree. She has a background from international production companies that produced & delivered the Famous Reggae SunSplash, theatre productions, pageants/competitions & curated for the V&A & Science Museums. She has served as a TRA Treasurer and organised events like the Queen's Jubilee, community festivals/events, Street Parties and Christmas Socials. She is responsible for the Arts-A-Light Mas (The Bride) costume band & Arts-A-Light Sound (system/live music stage) which has been a staple feature on the Notting Hill Carnival footprint for the past 30yrs, so has the skills to deliver the project with her equally creative & experienced team to ensure the successful delivery of this project. We have the contacts for professionals to hire in where needed when the skill is not within the foundation and our network. The project management team will be guided by the Project Timeline. Project Management Team will engage youth centre staff, some young people’s leaders, community members/leaders and local professionals, alongside the foundation and representatives of the funders that have time to spare. Once the funding comes through, the management team will be selected in association with the Coram’s Fields team and proper planning will begin Upcoming Milestones: Please provide an overview of the milestones that are required for your initiative to come to fruition/to grow. Hint: Include an overview of activities, milestones, and timelines that show how you will achieve your intended outcomes. We will ask for a detailed project plan in the refinement phase.
Upcoming Milestones: Please provide an overview of the milestones that are required for your initiative to come to fruition/to grow.
DRAFT PROJECT MILESTONES AND TIMELINE Date: September 2026 - August, 2027 EF-Eyukamba Foundation/CFYCT-Coram’s Fields Youth Centre Team. All tasks by EF/CFYCT September 2026 Preparations/Planning. Advertising Choosing the Team Leaders/Facilitators/Tutors Meeting Teams/Sharing the Vision/Establishing aims/objectives Going over Guidelines/Ethos/Agreements/Timelines Allocating Roles & Management Lines/Signing Contracts/Scheduling Training/workshop on subject matter/content & overview/Monitoring/Evaluation/D&I Secure Materials/Spaces, Resources Tutors discuss project/rehearsals/timeline/schedule October 2026: Registrations. All clubs/football tournaments start. Consolidation. Nov-Dec 2026: Weekly pre-game screening & mini-performances/showcase for the Festive Season. Evaluations (monthly/weekly/as needed) Jan-April 2027: Clubs continue April: Mini-Showcase June-Aug: Clubs Continue Aug: Main Showcase/Award Event. Consolidation. Aug: Evaluation & Reporting
Capacity-Building Participation and Support Funding: If you were to make it as a finalist, you will be required to participate in an 8-week capacity building programme. If funding/ cost is a barrier to your participation, we may be able to offer up to 10,000 GBP of grant money available to support you. Please break down below, if it is the case, what costs you would incur and you would need covered. (Please note that there are restrictions on how the grant money may be used; please refer to the T&Cs for further details.
As I don’t know the details of what this entails, it could be tricky. However, I would need: • Travel & Accommodation if outside London • Paying staff to cover my duties for the days I’m away like an Operations Manager, the Project Management Officer and an Administrator when I’m running a Workshop, • If the training is digital, I would need help because I’m not tech savvy and my laptop is old. • We need help, support to transition from a group of volunteers to paid staff even if it’s on a part-time basis • We do not have a website so need help with building one and managing our social media. • These, alongside financial stability will keep us sustainable because we could do better with better services. Thank you very much
If you selected “Other”, please specify below.
Filming, Podcast Production More Counselling & Trauma Informed Practice to better equip us & help us serve better after the youth violence incident.
