City United Football Club

Blog by Yahya Hassan Ahmed

Hello! My name is Yahya. I am a Youth Supporter Work Apprentice at Partnership for Young London at the City of London Corporation. I am a 23-year-old care experienced individual. I have been part of the Children in Care Council for the past six years and I am currently working closely with young people, as my role involves working with youth. I am enthusiastic about creating opportunities for connection and community.

In this blog, I want to share the story behind City United, a small football team set up by the City of London Virtual School. I will talk about why we started this team, how we brought it to life, who is involved, and what we have achieved so far. Most importantly, I will explain why this team means so much to me and how you can get involved too.

Why we set up the team.

The reason is that, at the starting point, we had several young people interested in football, which we discovered through our regular work with care leavers. From here we discussed with the team and developed the foundational ideas for out Football Club. Coming from a care-experienced background myself, I endorsed the idea of having a club that allows young people to part of the community, I know due to firsthand experience care livers often feel lonely or isolated as they start living independently and navigating the world without a big support network. Even though our team is not comparable to big ones out there, football is not just a game, it is a vibrant bridge that unites hearts and souls, weaving together people from all walks of life into a shared tapestry of passion and connection. Therefore, we use football club as a powerful conduit to bring our young people together, fostering community, teamwork and a sense of belonging.

 Based on my observation of regular individuals, what stood out to me was their shared passion for football a universal language that brings people together. I wanted to create a space where young people, especially care leavers, could socialise, feel included, and have fun through recreational activities such as football. It seemed like the perfect way to do this. It is not just about the game; it is about building friendships, boosting mental and physical well-being, and reducing feelings of loneliness.

How City United was born: 

Setting up City United and getting things up and running was not easy, primarily when it came to getting people to attend the match, but it was more than worth it. I started by talking to the young people I support, asking if they would be interested in joining a football team. The response was positive overall. With support from the City of London Virtual School, we secured a pitch and set a regular monthly game for all to enjoy this newfound sense of belonging. We kept things simple from the get-go, just a friendly five or six-a-side competition every month to get our team progressing. I hope momentum keeps up and young people will continue to turn up each time. Here is what one of our regulars had to say.

Who’s involved

City United is truly a team effort. Alongside the young players, we have fantastic support from staff at the City of London Virtual School and Partnership for Young London. I am especially grateful for everyone who helps organise the games and encourages new members to join.

We also welcome friends of our players. A regular young person can bring someone alongside with them, making it even easier to get involved and meet new people.

How it’s Going

We have now been running monthly games for 5 to 6 months, and the energy is amazing. While getting everyone together can be a challenge sometimes, the sense of community we have built makes it all worthwhile. Every game is filled with laughter, encouragement and a real sense of belonging.

Why City United is important to me

For me, City United is more than just a football team and extend beyond personal connection, it is a space where young people can feel seen, heard and valued no matter their background. It is about giving care-experienced young people a chance to thrive, both on and off the pitch as they develop social confidence.

Quotes from the City United Team

''I’ve really enjoyed being part of the City of London Virtual School Football Club. The matches in Shoreditch have been a great experience for me. I’ve met some amazing people, improved my fitness, and had a lot of fun playing. One thing I especially enjoy is the positive atmosphere and how supportive everyone is. I’d love to see more matches or maybe some training sessions in the future. Joining the football club has been a great experience — it’s helped me build confidence, stay active, and be part of a friendly and fun team. Thanks again, and I'm looking forward to the next game!'' - Abdulrahman

‘’I’m joining this City United FC for the first time and it has been an incredible experience. I’ve already felt the support, the teamwork and the passion everyone shares. It’s not just about the game; it’s about becoming part of a family that pushes me to be my best!” - Salia. 

“As a regular player and a football fan, this club means a lot to me. It’s more than just a place to play, it’s where I’ve found opportunities to grow, improve and connect with my peers and friends. I wish I could play more than once a month. If there were more matches, I’d jump at the chance every time! This club has given me so much and I hope you continue with the great work of bringing us all together on and off the pitch. Thank you for your support!” - AbdulSalam.

“The football club is lovely and useful to me. I have enjoyed the challenges of football matches. My experience with young people in the City of London has been very positive. Thank you very much for the opportunity.” - Mohammed Eissa.

Looking ahead: tournaments and achievements

Our biggest milestone yet is coming up in July: We are looking to a mini tournament between City of London and Partnership for Young London staff against City of London Virtual School in our finals. It is a chance for everyone to take part, and it is all for fun, you do not have to be a skilled player to participate. We will celebrate our progress and have a brilliant day together.

What I have gained from this journey is huge is significant confidence, leadership skills, the joy of seeing young people come together and work with other as a team. My hope is that City United continues to grow, welcoming even more participants and building connections with external to pursue its potential for growth.

What I have gained from this journey is significant confidence, leadership skills, and the joy of seeing young people come together and work with others as a team. My hope is that City United continues to grow, welcoming even more participants and building connections with external partners to realise its full potential for growth.

Next steps

To get Involved, in current stage we only take the young people under City of London Local Authority or those are in Care Council at city of London Corporation. Matches are held monthly, and everyone is welcome no experience needed. They can even bring a friend if you are a care liver under the care. Good news: from August 2025 onwards, we will be open to other localised virtual schools across the boroughs of London and actively seeking collaboration.

For more information on upcoming games and how to get involved, contact the City of London Virtual School or reach out to me directly at PYL. Together, we are building something special, one kick at a time. Thank you for reading and I hope to see you on the pitch soon!

Contact - Yahya.HassanAhmed@cityoflondon.gov.uk