THE EMMERSON BOYCE FOUNDATION
Empowering Young People Through Football
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Mission Statement: Our mission is to equip young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities to succeed on and off the pitch.
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Founded by former Premier League player Emmerson Boyce, the foundation aims to blend sport, leadership and life skills to make a lasting impact in communities across the UK and internationally.
Core values
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Fun – We create enjoyable, engaging experiences because learning and growth happen best when young people are inspired and happy.
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Inclusion – We ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of background, ability or gender.
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Equality – We actively promote fairness, equal access and respect for all, on and off the pitch.
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Empowerment – We give young people the tools, confidence and support to make positive choices and reach their potential.
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Leadership – We nurture leadership skills that encourage responsibility, teamwork and initiative, helping young people become role models in their communities.
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Innovation – We embrace creative approaches to coaching, mentoring and programme delivery to maximise impact.
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Resilience – We help young people overcome challenges and build mental and emotional strength through sport and mentorship.
Objectives
Empowerment & Personal Development
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Empower young people through football.
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Provide opportunities that inspire and develop entrepreneurial and transferable employment skills.
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Develop an international mentorship programme.
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Work with primary and secondary schools to deliver leadership programmes with an emphasis on fun, inclusion, and equality.
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Raise funds to develop football facilities and additional sporting equipment for communities.
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Promote mental well-being through safe, inclusive football environments.
ETHIOPIA PROJECT
She Wins Initiative
Using Football to Empower the Next Generation of Female Leaders
I’m proud to have led an international coaching delegation alongside the British Embassy, Addis Ababa Youth & Sports Bureau, NZ Communications, Football for Humanity, and SMS Pro Soccer as part of the “She Wins” initiative.
Together, we’re using football to inspire, educate and empower young women and coaches, creating opportunities, building confidence, and developing pathways for future female leaders in sport.
Football is more than a game — it’s a platform for change.
Community Coaching Project – Empowering Through Football
Building Connections, Sharing Knowledge, Inspiring Change
It’s been an honour to meet so many incredible people and witness first-hand how the power of football continues to be a universal language that brings communities together.
As part of the #SheWins project, led by The British Embassy in Ethiopia, I had the privilege of delivering The Emmerson Boyce Football Methodology Programme alongside Football for Humanity and SMS Pro Soccer.
The week was filled with practical sessions, open discussions, and shared learning with 43 passionate coaches exploring how football can empower, educate, and inspire both on and off the pitch.
It was a truly inspiring experience, a reminder that football is more than just a game; it’s a platform for growth, equality and lasting change.
One Game. One Goal. One Humanity
The Emmerson Boyce Foundation is proud to announce a powerful collaboration with Football for Humanity and SMS Pro Soccer, united by a shared mission: to empower young people and take a stand against gender-based violence through the power of football.
In partnership with the British Embassy in Ethiopia under the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign, we are proud to be supporting local solutions, creating safer spaces and building a world where everyone can play, learn and lead without fear.
Emmerson is leading this collaboration, bringing elite football expertise and a deep commitment to social impact, helping to transform the game into a global platform for education, equality and hope.
Football for Humanity, founded by Chris Thomas, aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to integrate sport, education and social development to protect, empower and unite communities around the world.
Three leaders. One vision. One mission.
Emmerson Boyce — Founder, Emmerson Boyce Foundation Mark Hayes — Global Lead, SMS Pro Soccer Chris Thomas — Founder, Football for Humanity
🛡️ Together, we Protect, Empower, and Unite.
BARBADOS PROJECT
The Emmerson Boyce Foundation has forged a partnership with the Barbados Football Association, aimed at elevating football standards within the country. Boyce, honoured with the Barbados Golden Jubilee Award in 2016, expressed his vision for the collaboration, stating, "Our objective is to enhance the calibre of football in Barbados by nurturing exceptional players capable of competing in top leagues globally. Simultaneously, we aim to dismantle societal barriers to participation, fostering inclusivity and a robust, captivating football culture that caters to both dedicated athletes and casual enthusiasts."
The initiative also targets critical health and social issues affecting young women in Barbados, with the aspiration of using football as a platform for positive change. Randy Harris, President of the BFA, emphasised the significance of advancing women's football in Barbados, envisioning it as a pioneering force in the Caribbean. He remarked, "Barbados is poised to spearhead the progression of girls' and women's football, establishing new benchmarks and serving as a beacon for emerging nations."
The program achieved its overarching goal of empowering girls and young women by introducing gender-specific training modules tailored for players, coaches, and referees. We broke down barriers to participation and challenged negative stereotypes to provide a diverse range of roles and opportunities in sport.
The initiative was praised for boosting the self-esteem and fostering a sense of community value among participants in addition to addressing issues of equity, combating obesity, and promoting healthy lifestyles. We also worked to dispel any lingering stigmas or stereotypes associated with girls' and young women's involvement in football, fostering an environment of acceptance and opportunity.
NATIONAL UNITED SOCIETY OF THE BLIND
Supporting the Barbados National United Society of the Blind was a deeply meaningful experience using football to inspire, connect, and empower. I had the privilege of meeting some amazing individuals whose strength and positivity left a lasting impact
StreetSoccerUSA
Supporting Street Soccer USA has been one of my most rewarding journeys travelling each year to stand alongside an incredible organisation using football to change lives. I’ve met some truly inspiring people along the way, many of whom I’m still proud to call friends today.
AMBASSADOR
I take immense pride in serving as an ambassador for numerous charities and organisations"
