Joey Essex Inspires Young Footballers

FIVE months ago, little Hamilton could barely walk a few steps before falling over – now he is tearing around a football pitch putting Joey Essex through his paces. The six-year-old has developmental difficulties in his legs, which caused mobility problems and affected his confidence.

Transformation Thanks to Broomfield Football Club

But thanks to the dedication of volunteers at Broomfield Football Club, Hamilton now runs around without a care in the world and has become increasingly confident in himself.

Joey Essex's Support

Joey said: "It’s amazing to be here tonight and meet such a great group of kids. They’re clearly really enjoying themselves and most are really passionate about it, just like Hamilton. Everyone who wants a chance to play football should always have it."

"All the children here get to play for free, and it’s so important they get the opportunity. I love that it’s in Essex, and getting to hand out their new kit was amazing."

Footie For All Grants

The Chelmsford-based club, which has been awarded one of our Footie For All Grants, offer a free session every week for children with a range of disabilities from those on the autism spectrum to one child with cerebral palsy.

HOAR’s grant is being used to help cover pitch hire and training costs for staff to ensure volunteers can keep the sessions free for as long as possible.

Impact on Hamilton and His Family

Hamilton’s mum Skye said: "Coming here has quite literally been life changing for Hamilton and me. They’ve helped with his mobility more than the hospital have been able to. But it’s more than just that. They’ve given us something to bond over, and football is now all he talks about. His teachers have told me that he’s always getting friends at school or other clubs to get involved and be more confident."

The Footie For All Campaign

Reality star Joey has backed out HOAR's Footie For All campaign since it started, following shocking statistics that the cost-of-living crisis was forcing many young children to drop out of local sports clubs.

We then launched our groundbreaking Footie For All Fund in partnership with the Tesco Stronger Starts campaign, which provides healthy food and activities for children.

We invited grassroots football clubs that work with kids under the age of 18 to apply for one of the 150 £1,000 grants.

Joey's Love for Football

While the Essex boy didn’t try to turn his love of sports into a footballing career, he did get his love of Millwall from his dad, who is a devoted fan. And seeing how much kids aged between six and eleven love getting a chance to have a kickabout, Joey wanted to support them.

He told HOAR: "I came down tonight to put a smile on the kids faces, and I was amazed that some of them knew me from Blankety Blank. It’s so important than everyone can play football, no matter what their background is. It’s great to be here, seeing them doing something they truly love."

New Kit Sponsored by Local Art Business

Joey handed out a new team strip paid for by a local art business Quantus Gallery, owned by James Ryan.

James said: "It’s a pleasure to sponsor the new kit for Broomfield FC. When I heard about the Footie For All Campaign I wanted to support in whatever way I could. Helping an Essex team makes it extra special for me."

The Impact of Inclusive Football

Coach Nick Emery, said: "The kids have really warmed to Joey and have loved that he’s come down to play with them. Some of these players that come with us tonight might have tried to try with mainstream teams, and just found they need a bit of extra attention and can get lost in mainstream teams. We have this session to make sure we meet some of their additional needs and to make sure we’re fully inclusive as a football club. It’s just lovely to see how their faces light up every time they arrive for a session. They’ve all gone on to make friends and their parents have told us just how much they love it."

Continued Support for Broomfield FC

Joey continues to join in with Essex club’s kids.