Lambeth Tigers partner with London FA to strengthen pathway 

By Sport Reporter

The London Football Association has partnered with Lambeth Tigers FC, a grassroots football team based in Lambeth and Southwark, in a new initiative to improve playing choice and experience within grassroots football. 

As part of the London FA’s rebranded ‘London For All’ strategy, the partnership seeks to unite communities and inspire positive change through football across London.

Lambeth Tigers FC, known for its strong ties to the professional football scene in London, aligns perfectly with the “Improve Playing Choice and Experience” pillar of the London For All initiative, one of five key pillars guiding the 2024-2028 strategy. As part of the collaboration, Lambeth Tigers FC hosted an impactful mixed training session, bringing together current players and former Tigers who have since gone on to sign with professional football academies, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace.

The session demonstrated the club’s commitment to offering its players the best possible opportunities, from grassroots training to the potential for professional development. During the event, Lambeth Tigers FC passed a symbolic football to the next community club involved in the initiative, highlighting unity and mutual support across London’s grassroots football community.

Paul Bickerton, CEO of London FA, said: “Today is a proud day as we unveil London For All, the culmination of months of planning and collaboration with our members, the FA, and local communities. Lambeth Tigers FC exemplify this mission, demonstrating how clubs can offer valuable pathways for young players, both within their communities and in the professional game. Together, focused on ensuring that grassroots football is inclusive, diverse, and accessible for all.”

Co-owner of Lambeth Tigers FC, David Marriott, added: “We’re proud to be part of the London For All initiative. The club has always been focused on providing our players with the best opportunities, and we’re fortunate to have strong relationships with professional teams in the area. It’s a privilege to put on a session with current and former Lambeth Tigers FC players and see some old faces that have gone on to do so well.”

Lambeth Tigers FC’s event is one of the first steps in the London FA’s strategic journey, which focuses on five core pillars designed to improve grassroots football across London:

1. Improving playing choices and experiences: Expanding various formats and providers, with a target to grow disability football participation to over 900 people, adding 79 new sessions.
2. Equal opportunities for women and girls: Increasing female participation to 12,970 players, with 215 new casual playing opportunities.
3. Building and enhancing facilities: Supporting nine new 3G pitch developments and enhancing 336 grass pitches across the city.
4. Tackling poor behaviour on and off the pitch: Strengthening discipline and safeguarding through strategic partnerships.
5. Growing a network of valued volunteers, coaches, and referees: Expanding the workforce to include 1,444 match officials, over 5,800 volunteers, and more than 5,360 coaches.

Following the Lambeth Tigers FC event, the London FA continue its campaign, visiting community clubs representing each strategic pillar across the city. This rebrand aligns with the FA’s national grassroots strategy, marking a new chapter for football in London with a focus on inclusivity and representation across every borough.

For more information about the London For All campaign and to get involved with grassroots football in your area, visit www.londonfa.com.