Changing Lives Across London

Khalid originally started out as a player in PTSA's football sessions for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Two years later, and he is very much part of the family, acting as an assistant coach to SEND Youth and Sports Development Lead Paul Davis and helping to run weekly sessions in Westminster. He also oversees PTSA's Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) programme, which the organisation runs in multiple boroughs across London.It is perhaps of little surprise that coaching has come naturally to the 26-year-old, as his brother, Liban, has carved out a career within the game, too, coaching at professional clubs including QPR and Barnet. Playing and coaching football really gives me confidence," said Khalid. "Learning different ways of coaching and helping players learn new technical skills is really enjoyable."One of the aspects I love most is getting players ready for match day, getting them in the right mentality."Reflecting on the importance that PTSA's SEND sessions hold within the local community, Khalid added: "They help remind young people that no matter your disability, you can still chase your dreams." 

Alfie is a beacon for all young people across London.

He joined PTSA almost a year ago, in March 2023, through the Camden Council Pathway, an initiative aimed at providing individuals who are part of the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) support programme with paid positions to explore potential career interests. At the time, Alfie admits, "He was a little lost." Growing up in care had affected his confidence, and he found himself sofa surfing with nowhere to live, relying on the support and generosity of friends to offer him somewhere to sleep. What he needed was a chance, and when PTSA offered to train him up as a youth and sports coach, Alfie grabbed the opportunity with both hands, dedicating 35 hours a week to learning what he describes as "a life-changing skillset." Now coaching PTSA's Under-8s and Under-15s age groups, Alfie is also training as a project manager so that he can get even more involved with all the good work that the organisation does in their surrounding communities. "Growing up in care, there were always people telling me that I wasn't going to make anything of my life," said Alfie. "I'll admit my confidence was very low, and, at times, I felt useless. "That all changed when I joined PTSA, where I was given so much support and encouragement from day one. In less than 12 months, I've already learned so much from being here. "When I came here, I couldn't really communicate and express myself properly, and now I'm leading coaching sessions and helping young kids find their own voice. "PTSA will be the thing that makes me; from here, the only way is up. I owe everybody here who has supported me so much." 

Rabby Dinsundi

A desire to help young people led Rabby to Pro Touch SA in October 2017. He successfully juggled a full-time role while volunteering with us as an assistant coach. It was clear through his energy and enthusiasm working with young people that Rabby had a future in the area of Youth development.

Rabby also joined the StreetGames apprenticeship scheme in March 2019, and after making a positive impression he was invited onto the Coach Mate programme, where he received mentoring support from James Gregory, StreetGames Area Director for London, apprenticeship tutor Caroline and Pro Touch SA CEO Ash Rahman.

The confidence gained from working at Pro Touch SA and the StreetGames apprenticeship gave Rabby the confidence to be the lead coach role in not just Pro Touch SA’s Doorstep Sport sessions, but also the Pro Touch SA under 9s team.

Over the years, Rabby has gained additional accredited coaching qualifications as well as soft skill accreditation for things like Youth Mental Health First Aid, Emergency First Aid, Managing Challenging Behaviour & Engaging Women & Girls.

“Getting the chance to work full-time as an apprentice at Pro Touch was a lifeline, a dream come true. I’ve travelled to Denmark...for work, imagine telling your friends and family that!”