Teenagers head to Wembley Stadium to celebrate their achievements

Ark Elvin Academy students with their certificates received for positive leadership at the London Football Journeys event at the Learning Zone in Wembley Stadium (Image: Archant)

Halema Hussain, from the Ark Elvin Academy in Brent was one of 54 young people to attend London Football Journeys’ (LFJ) annual event at the weekend at the Learning Zone within the iconic stadium.

The event, now in its second year, celebrated the achievements young people from disadvantaged communities have made through programmes centred on film and football.

Young LFJ Ambassadors introduced the charity’s programmes, heard speeches from young participants and went on a tour of the famous football ground.

Miss Hussain said: “It changed me in ways I never even thought of. I’ve improved every bit of myself and it’s an amazing transformation.”

The teenagers from Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Barnet, Southwark, Camden and Hammersmith & Fulham, took part in a 12 week programme of video workshops and football exchanges focusing on positivity, leadership and communication.

Alex Baine, Founder and Director of LFJ, said: “So many young people these days stay within their area and have bad ideas of other areas without going to them.

“It was fantastic to see our youth groups come together to share their experiences, share common ground and celebrate the achievements of all the young leaders who come through our programme.”

LFJ brings together young people aged 11 to 15 from different areas to support them to become active and confident members of their communities, feel less threatened to travel across London and be more confident in relating to new people from different backgrounds.

The activities are accredited through National Open College Network qualifications.

http://londonfootballjourneys.org/