At Anthology, we’re passionate about supporting the local areas where we are creating new communities. One of those areas is Wembley, where you’ll find Anthology Wembley Parade, our collection of 195 stylish homes in the heart of North London’s most vibrant neighbourhood.
We caught up with MJ, Club Chair of AFC Wembley, to find out more about the local football club and the great work it does to support young, local talent in the community.
Hi MJ, could you give us an overview of AFC Wembley?
AFC Wembley was set up in 2017 by me and three other close friends. We decided to create the club due to the lack of good, community-minded clubs on the doorstep for younger people who had to travel further afield to play football. We all grew up in the area, know the community well and have a passion for sport, football more specifically, and wanted to share our interest and support the great local talent we have in Wembley.
AFC Wembley started with a couple of teams, but we now have eight across different age groups. We’re a football club first and foremost but one thing we pride ourselves on, is using our platform to educate children that there is a whole life out there to be lived. We want to make a difference to the lives of young people in the local area and ensure they are on the straight and narrow, so they can achieve success in their lives.
Could you share more about AFC Wembley’s three key areas of development – the person, the mindset and the footballer?
We have around 15-20 football coaches, the majority of which are from the area. They know what it’s like growing up in Wembley and the stigma attached to some parts.
At AFC Wembley, we want players to know they are valued and appreciated and that, through football, they can learn a lot of disciplines which can be applied off the pitch.
We encourage all of our players to have a positive outlook on life and that any mistakes are lessons to be learnt from.
What projects are you working on through the AFC Wembley Foundation?
AFC Wembley Foundation was set up in summer 2020 to expand on our work in the local community.
For our first project, we have secured fundraising from Brent Council to run an estate-based football programme, where we’ll deliver free football sessions to children at less-advantaged housing estates. Not everyone can afford to play football, or are able to travel somewhere to play, so we’ll use the space available and bring football to them! We want to engage with children that might otherwise miss out and give them an opportunity to get fit and have fun with their friends.
How can people show their support to the Club?
In the past, we have organised events with players and their families, such as sponsored walks and fun days, but are hoping to organise bigger events through the Foundation in the future. We always welcome volunteer coaches and only ask that people are committed to the programme.
To find out more about AFC Wembley, visit afcwembley.com.
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Start your new chapter within a thriving, welcoming community at Anthology Wembley Parade. To find out more about the last few brand new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes we have available, contact the Sales team by calling 020 3308 9814 or emailing wembleyparade@anthology.london.