Palace For Life Foundation
Transform young south London lives through the power of football
The Palace For Life Foundation is the official charity of Premier League football club Crystal Palace and have been a core part of the South London community for over 30 years.
Their aim is simple: they use the power of football and their club, Crystal Palace, to improve lives and build stronger communities. They focus heavily on young people from under-supported groups who need them most. Every year, their dedicated coaches and mentors work with over 18,000 young people to provide free physical activity, help with next steps in education, training or employment, and support with mental health and crime reduction through one-to-one mentoring. They’re all about giving young people the right opportunities to transform their lives in the way they want to.
Key features and benefits
Premier League Power
They use the unique pull and infrastructure of Crystal Palace F.C. to engage young people, including offering talented young footballers a path to the Crystal Palace boys’ and girls’ academies.
Community Partner
They are a trusted partner of social services, the police, and local councils, delivering support and interventions they often can’t. They are welcomed into communities that are closed to many other agencies.
Holistic 1-to-1 Mentoring
Their dedicated mentors go beyond the pitch, providing direct support with mental health, crime reduction, and navigating education and employment pathways.
Inclusive Ethos
They believe that everyone matters, irrespective of their background and beliefs. By giving extra support to the most vulnerable, they help create a better community and society.
What they offer
Free Physical Activity & Sports Courses
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Support in Education, Training, Work
Targeted guidance from experienced mentors to help young people figure out their next steps and access new opportunities in education and the workplace.
1-to-1 Mentoring Interventions
Personalised support designed to tackle complex challenges like mental health struggles and youth crime, helping vulnerable young people build resilience.
How it works
Engage
Join one of their free sports sessions, community programmes, or football courses powered by Crystal Palace.
Develop
Work closely with their dedicated coaches and mentors to build life skills, improve your mental wellbeing, and set goals.
Transform
Take the next steps into education, training, or employment, and transform your life with the ongoing support of the Palace For Life team.
Outcomes you can expect
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- Improved physical health and fitness through free, accessible activities.
- Clear, supported pathways into education, training, or employment.
- Better mental health and a reduction in youth crime via targeted 1-to-1 mentoring.
- The opportunity for talented players to progress to professional academy pathways.
Pricing and access
They are committed to providing free physical activity and mentoring to the young people who need it most, reaching over 18,000 individuals annually. As a charity, they rely on the support of their patrons, local businesses, and community donations to ensure these life-changing programmes remain accessible to vulnerable groups across South London.
FAQs
Who is this for?
Young people across South London, with a specific focus on under-supported groups and the most vulnerable.
Where are they based?
Their registered office is at Selhurst Park, London, SE25 6PU, and they deliver programmes directly within local communities and schools.
What kind of support do they provide?
They offer free physical activity, 1-to-1 mentoring for mental health and crime reduction, and support with education, training, and employment.
Are they just looking for football players?
No. While they offer pathways to the Crystal Palace academies for talented players, their primary goal is improving lives and building stronger communities through holistic youth support.