Bloomsbury Football Foundation, the London-based charity that uses football as a tool for social development, and LALIGA, Spanish football’s top-tier league, have confirmed the continuation of their grassroots partnership for a fourth consecutive year, further strengthening efforts to widen access to the sport across the UK capital.
The renewed agreement extends a long-running collaboration focused on delivering free-to-access football programmes for children and young people from underserved communities in London. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to inclusion, participation, and long-term youth development at the grassroots level.
Under the 2025–26 programme, structured coaching sessions, community-based training activities, and safe play environments will once again be delivered across multiple London boroughs. The initiative is designed to remove financial and social barriers that often limit access to organised football, particularly in areas facing shortages of facilities and resources.
Charlie Hyman, Founder and CEO of Bloomsbury Football Foundation, said, “Our continued belief in the power of football to transform young lives is what makes this partnership thrive year after year. As we enter our fourth year working alongside LALIGA’s London office, we plan to deliver even more unforgettable experiences that inspire excitement, learning, and personal growth. This season, we remain committed to making every session accessible to all, and I truly believe we can help these young footballers see that anything is possible.”
Keegan Pierce, Director of International Relations at LALIGA, added, “In just over three years, our partnership with Bloomsbury Football Foundation has achieved so much in inspiring more young players to join the Bloomsbury community, and we’re proud to be continuing it into the 2025/26 season, with the support of Fundación LALIGA, CVC and all 16 of our participating teams. With steady growth each year and incredible support from clubs across Spain, we’re committed to giving back to the community here in London while also inspiring young LALIGA fans and deepening connections with Spanish football.”
The programme is supported by Fundación LALIGA and global sports investor CVC, and involves the active participation of 16 LALIGA clubs. Together with Bloomsbury Football Foundation, the partners deliver recreational tournaments and regular football sessions across London, both within schools and through weekend community programmes.
The Bloomsbury Football Foundation currently engages with over 6,200 young people each week across its London-based initiatives. As part of the collaboration, 45 boys and girls receive financial scholarships to support their participation, ensuring access remains a central pillar of the project. Fundación LALIGA also contributes specialised training that promotes the positive values of football and applies them to everyday life, using sport as a vehicle for social inclusion.
Programme delivery is led by Bloomsbury Football Foundation through its established network of schools, community organisations, and local partners. LALIGA provides strategic and financial support, including investment in qualified coaches, equipment, facilities, and operational infrastructure to maintain consistent and high-quality delivery.
Beyond on-pitch participation, the partnership emphasises wider personal development outcomes. Sessions are structured to build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and social skills, while offering pathways for talented participants to progress within the broader football ecosystem.
For LALIGA, the initiative forms part of its wider international grassroots and social impact strategy, with London remaining a key global market for the league. The partnership allows the organisation to combine community engagement with long-term brand presence in one of football’s most diverse cities.
The extension comes at a time when grassroots football in the UK continues to face challenges related to rising participation costs, limited access to facilities, and funding pressures. Against this backdrop, the fourth-year renewal positions the Bloomsbury Football Foundation and LALIGA partnership as a sustained, long-term model for inclusive grassroots football development in London.
