Football Beyond Borders started in 2011 after founders Jack and Jasper realised that young people in the UK found it difficult to make something positive of their future. Since becoming a charity in 2014, FBB have rolled out programmes across London and North-West England to help young people from disadvantaged areas through school by using football to build skills.

The FBB Girls’ programme helps girls improve their social and emotional skills, mental wellbeing, confidence and academic success. Delivered by a mainly female team that prioritises culture and community, this programme develops girls both in and outside the classroom and empowers them to make their voices heard.

One of these voices is 12-year-old Jamilla, a player currently participating in the girls’ programme. What does Jamilla have in common with every pro who’s made it? A fiery, competitive streak. For Jamilla, nothing’s more exciting than playing with her friends, especially when it’s one-on-one. Just her, a ball, and a player to compete with. But it turns out her biggest inspiration plays ball in a completely different way. As an aspiring basketballer, Jamilla’s cousin is chasing her dream in different parts of the world, all while playing the game she loves.

In Jamilla’s eyes, nothing gets better than that. It’s what drives her to keep playing. To her, one of the best things about football is seeing how her and her friends’ skills are developing over time. That desire for growth and unlimited aspiration is what inspired Football Beyond Borders to use the power of the beautiful game to change the lives of the next generation.

With Nike’s support over the past five years, they were able to scale their girl-focused programme in 2019. Their focus on self-belief and aspiration helps young ballers like Jamilla lead a positive future in football for girls, following in her big cousin’s footsteps, but making it big in her own way.