Football, the beautiful game, has an ugly side. Young aspiring footballers are often reduced to a number, stripped of identity and thrusted into an environment where the fear of failure is suffocating.

Less than 1% make it pro, leaving the overwhelming majority who pursue the game feeling rejected and lost in a failing system. Football can be used as a force to inspire - but all too often it breaks people down rather than building them up.

This is the problem The Ferdinand Collective intends to solve.

We strive to create an environment where every young footballer feels valued as a person, not a number. An environment where a love for football can open doors to new opportunities on and off the pitch. 

Where every young person feels like they matter. Where no-one is left behind.

Grounded in the Ferdinand family's philosophy to always believe in yourself and always work hard, The Ferdinand Collective believes that football can foster improvement as people, as well as players. 

We harness the positive power of football to give young people a sense of identity, belonging and community.