Celebrating passion and creativity- A young winner’s journey in our recent football competition
Date published
19 March 2025
19 March 2025
At Nexus Fostering, we’re always excited to see the creativity and passion our children and young people bring to the table. Recently, one of our young people, an 8-and-a-half-year-old, became the proud winner of a competition set by our Participation Team. The competition encouraged our children and young people to submit artwork, photos, or stories around football, a sport that brings joy, teamwork, and valuable life skills to many.
When we first introduced the competition, we had no idea just how much it would inspire our young people. One of the submissions, however, stood out in the most delightful way. A foster carer reached out, sharing a beautiful moment with us. She told us how, upon hearing about the competition, her young person eagerly asked to send in her photos. The first picture she submitted showed her practicing her scoring technique, such a heart warming image of determination and focus. The second was a photo of her with one of our Supervising Social Workers, after one of their kickabouts. These photos captured not just the fun of football, but also the sense of community, growth, and confidence that football nurtures in our young people.
When we asked this young person what football means to her, her answer was both insightful and inspiring. Here's what she shared with us:
These words demonstrate the incredible life lessons that football teaches, especially to young people in care. From the joy of playing and making friends to the focus and teamwork that football nurtures, it’s clear that this young person not only understands the game but embodies the values that make it so special. Football, for her, is more than just a sport—it's a way to stay active, connect with others, and build resilience.
As the winner of the competition, this young person was awarded a LFC Nike Youth 24/25 Away Stadium Jersey, which she was absolutely thrilled to receive. Her Social Worker had the honour of delivering the prize, and seeing the joy on her face was truly priceless. The excitement didn’t end there; her winning picture will be featured on the front page of our next Carer Magazine, and her heartfelt words about what football means to her will be shared in our Child and Young Person Magazine, inspiring other young people and carers alike.
Football is more than just a game, it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, emotional expression, and connection. For children and young people in care, activities like football can serve as an outlet for building confidence, learning valuable life skills, and finding joy and comfort in shared experiences. Whether it’s a friendly kickabout with a Social Worker, practicing new techniques, or simply feeling part of a team, football holds a special place in the hearts of many.
At Nexus Fostering, we’re proud to support initiatives that allow our young people to express themselves, celebrate their passions, and experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from hard work and determination. Competitions like this one are a great reminder of how our children and young people continue to inspire us with their creativity, enthusiasm, and positive outlook on life.
We’d like to extend a huge congratulations to our young winner and thank everyone who participated in the competition! Football is just one way our young people express themselves, and we can’t wait to see what other creative projects they have in store.
If football teaches us anything, it’s that teamwork truly does make the dream work. And this young person’s dream has come true with her well-deserved win. We're so proud of her, and we can't wait to continue celebrating the amazing talents and passions of all our children and young people. Keep shining!
Events
19 March 2025
