Uniting for Change: Our Stand with Palestine

At Smart Sport FC, we're all about more than just the game. We believe in the power of football to unite, inspire, and bring positive change. But today, we want to talk about something beyond the field – something important, something that affects not just us, but the world.

As a club, we stand for fairness, equality, and opportunity. We believe that all young people deserve a chance to grow, learn, and chase their dreams, regardless of where they come from or what they believe in. That's why we want to share something close to our hearts.

Smart Sport FC stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine!

We believe in a world where everyone, no matter where they live, deserves safety, peace, and the chance to pursue their ambitions. We believe that no innocent people should be affected, regardless of religion and race.

We understand that the world can sometimes be a challenging place, and it's our duty to stand up for what's right. Our commitment to developing young individuals goes beyond the pitch. It's about fostering an environment where everyone feels safe, included, and supported.

While we focus on coaching players, remember, we're also here to help shape the team as people. Understanding the world, standing up for what's right, and supporting each other – these are all part of being a Smart Sport team member.

So, as we train, play, and grow together, let's remember that we're not just a team on the field, but a community off it. Let's embrace our diversity, stand for what's fair, and keep pushing for a better, more inclusive world.

Let's show our support for all young people everywhere, standing for a future where everyone has the chance to shine. Because at Smart Sport FC, we believe in building not just better players, but better human beings.

Thank you for being a part of our incredible team. Together, let's keep making a difference, both on and off the field!

Match week 1 - Results

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🌟 Great Success at West Ham United's South Asian Festival 🌟

We are thrilled to share the fantastic news that our U9 team from SMART SPORT FC recently participated in the South Asian Festival organized by West Ham United. The event featured six intense 10-minute matches, and our young athletes showcased their skills, determination, and team spirit throughout the day.

The results of the tournament were as follows: we won two games, drew one game, and unfortunately lost three games. However, the overall experience was incredibly positive for all the kids involved. They had a blast and gained valuable insights from the coaches and scouts present at the event.

We would like to extend a special shoutout to Coaches Usman, Imad, Sultan, and Zakariyah. Their expertise and dedication played a vital role in preparing our team for this event, and their efforts did not go unnoticed.

We are proud to share that our team received great feedback from the West Ham Academy coaches. Additionally, West Ham United's coaches and scouts were present to identify potential players from each age group for the National Emerging Talent Festival in Loughborough. This recognition and opportunity are a testament to the talent and hard work displayed by our young athletes. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Rashid Abba for his continuous support and mentoring, contributing to the success of our club.

Coach Zakariyah expressed his excitement about the event, saying, "The kids did extremely well, even after a full day at school and long journey from South London. We competed with the other teams, and I'm proud of their performance today. Looking forward to the next season, especially for the four players who played up an age group. Hopefully, we'll have more events like this in the future."

We are incredibly proud of all the kids who participated and represented SMART SPORT FC at the South Asian Festival. Their hard work, resilience, and passion for the game have been truly inspiring. We look forward to future events where our young talents can continue to shine and excel.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting news from SMART SPORT FC!

Recruiting new players: Register Now

SMART SPORT FC is currently recruiting new players to join our club. Whether your child is just starting out or has prior experience, we welcome players of all skill levels to come and train with us.

At SMART SPORT FC, we believe in providing a fun and safe environment for children to learn and develop their football skills through a variety of drills, exercises, and matches. Our coaching staff is made up of FA certified and DBS approved coaches who are dedicated to helping each player reach their full potential. They have the knowledge, experience, and passion to teach children the fundamentals of the game, as well as more advanced techniques.

Playing football with SMART SPORT FC not only helps children improve their physical fitness and coordination, but it also helps them build important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. We understand that every child is different and may have different goals, so we offer a variety of programs to suit different needs. Whether your child is just starting out and wants to learn the basics, or they are a more experienced player looking to improve their skills, we have a program that is right for them.

In addition to our coaching and training programs, we also offer opportunities for children to play in local and regional leagues, as well as tournaments. This gives players the chance to put their skills to the test and compete against other teams.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a fun and supportive team while developing your skills and passion for the game. To join SMART SPORT FC, please contact us to learn more about our programs and to register.

We can't wait to welcome you to our team! To find out more about upcoming sessions and news through Spond, please click here.

Remembering Dr Rizwan Irshad: Coach & Dad

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our beloved Brother Rizwan Irshad, who passed away earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. This news comes as a massive shock to our club, as Coach Rizwan was not only a cherished member but also a dedicated medical doctor who selflessly served his community.

Coach Rizwan was a passionate coach who mentored and supported our young players with kindness and dedication. He was a father figure to many of our players, including his own son Sulayman (U9), who also plays in our club. His impact on the lives of our players went beyond the pitch, as he instilled values of discipline, teamwork, and respect.

We are deeply grateful for the time we shared with Coach Rizwan and the memories we made together. He was not only a coach, but a friend and a brother to us all. He was always there to lend an ear, offer advice or simply share a laugh. His presence and positivity will be greatly missed.

As a community, we will do our best to support Coach Rizwan's family during this difficult process. We offer our heartfelt condolences and pray that Allah grants them patience, strength, and comfort during this time. We also pray that Allah forgives Coach Rizwan's shortcomings, envelops him in his mercy, and grants him the highest ranks in Jannah.

In conclusion, we will always remember Coach Rizwan for the impact he made on our club and the lives of our players. His legacy will live on through the values he instilled in us, and the memories we shared together. We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers, and may Allah bless us all with peace and comfort during this trying time.

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Smart Sport FC Kids Have Another Successful Visit to Urban Equestrian Academy South London

The kids from Smart Sport FC recently had another fantastic visit to the Urban Equestrian Academy (UEA) South London stable during the half-term holiday. The visit provided the children with a unique opportunity to experience a different type of physical activity while learning about horse safety, grooming, and riding.

“The equestrian industry is often seen as something of a privilege for those who can afford it, making this visit an even more remarkable opportunity for the kids who may not have had the chance to experience it otherwise.”

- Lamiya Jackson, CEO and Manager at UEA South London

The visit began with the children learning about horse safety, including how to approach and handle horses safely. They were then taught how to groom the horses, an essential part of horse care, and were able to practice their newly learned skills under the watchful eye of the UEA team.

After grooming the horses, the children were paired with experienced volunteers who helped them ride the horses. The volunteers provided guidance and support as the children took their first steps into the world of horse riding. The children were excited and thrilled to learn about the care and responsibility that comes with owning and caring for a horse.

The visit was educational yet fun, and the children enjoyed every moment of it. They were able to get close to the horses, learn about their behavior and personality, and appreciate the bond between horses and humans.

Smart Sport FC is grateful to the Urban Equestrian Academy for their hospitality and providing the children with such an incredible experience. The visit was a huge success, and the children cannot wait for their next trip to the UEA South London stable.

Inspired by WEURO22: Coach Samira’s interview with Surrey FA

Last year, coach Samira Ali (co-founder of Smart Sport FC and head coach of the girls team) was interviewed by the Surrey Football Association as part of their initiative to reach out to inspirational individuals in the county who coach female football. With the Women's Euro 2022 taking place in the UK, it was a great time to celebrate the contributions of coaches like Samira who are dedicated to growing the sport for women and girls in Surrey.

Samira has been coaching football since 2021 and has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young girls in Croydon to get involved in the sport. With her passion and commitment, she has helped to build the girls team

In the interview, Samira shares her story and provides insight into what inspired her to become a football coach, the challenges she's faced along the way, and the joys of working with young players.

At Smart Sport FC, we are incredibly proud of Samira's achievements and her dedication to growing the sport of football for girls and women in our community. We believe that Samira's story will inspire others to get involved in coaching and help to create more opportunities for young girls to play and enjoy the sport.

We encourage all of our members and supporters to read the interview and learn more about Samira's inspiring journey as a coach. Together, we can help to create a bright future for female football in Surrey and beyond.

You can read the full interview on the Surrey Football Association website by clicking here.

Level 1 coaching badge sponsorship

We are pleased to announce that we have received sponsorships for several level 1 coaching badges, through CSM London FC, in which both clubs hope will be the first of many ‘CSM x SMART SPORT FC collaborations’!

CSM London FC aims to bring people together through football. Their primary goal is to use football as a mechanism to help improve physical, mental and social well-being among people in their local community. Anees Ikramullah, Managing Director and Co-Founder of CSM London FC, has been an avid follower of the setup and running of the club commenting:

“At CSM London FC, part of our own strategy for work, is to work with other likeminded organisations who represent the same values of putting their community first, and as part of our Coach-Ed. programme, we were delighted to offer free FA Introduction to Coaching Football Courses in the first of many CSM x Smart Sport collaborations."

This is a fantastic accomplishment for the club and a testament to the hard work and dedication of its coaches. The sponsorship will allow SMART SPORT FC to continue to provide high-quality training and development opportunities for its players and coaches. It's a great step towards the club's goal of producing well-trained and skilled players, and fostering a positive and supportive environment for young athletes to thrive.

In under 2 years, from only having 1 coach on the park, we are now on track to over a dozen FA qualified coaches. This is a great achievement for the club!

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