How One Football Mum Is Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour in Her Community
If you’ve recently listened to The Grassroots Mums Podcast, you may already have heard the inspirational story of Leanne Lea - a determined football mum with a powerful mission to make a difference.
In a previous blog, we shared how Leanne and her husband took the first brave step: creating a football team for children who didn’t feel like they belonged. Kids who lacked confidence. Kids who needed structure. Kids who simply needed somewhere safe to go after school.
What originally started as support for one child - her son - has grown into something truly remarkable.
Today, that dream has evolved into the Community Kicks Football Foundation, an inclusive football youth club in Tamworth that is changing lives through sport.
A Safe Place to Belong
At the moment Community Kicks provides free Friday night football sessions for young people aged 11–16, held at the Vision Football Factory in Tamworth. But these sessions are about far more than football.
They offer a safe, welcoming environment where young people can:
- Build confidence
- Develop friendships
- Stay active and healthy
- Feel part of a positive community
- Find support during challenging times
For many families, grassroots sport is not just about competition - it’s about connection, belonging and opportunity. Community Kicks embodies all three.
Supported by crowdfunding and partnerships with local organisations, the project has become a powerful example of how community-led sport can create positive change. Local supporters describe it as a youth diversion initiative focused on wellbeing, belonging and providing a constructive space for young people.
Their Instagram page shares powerful messages like “out of bedrooms, into belonging” and “tackling isolation through community.” In an era where virtual connection is often the default, it’s inspiring to see an initiative that brings people together and nurtures real, meaningful interaction.
Recognised Support and Growing Impact
In a major milestone for the project, Leanne has recently secured funding from the Police & Crime Commissioner to expand sessions to Saturday afternoons.
The goal is simple but important:
to provide more positive activities for teenagers during times and in areas where anti-social behaviour can sometimes occur.
This funding represents recognition of the role grassroots sport can play in supporting young people, improving wellbeing and strengthening communities.
With this expansion, Community Kicks aims to grow attendance to around 200 young people across the sessions - giving more families access to safe, structured sport.
And it’s not just about football. Every session provides refreshments, encouragement and trusted adult role models - things that make a real difference in young people’s lives.
Investing in the Next Generation
Leanne’s vision goes beyond participation - it’s about creating pathways.
She has applied for additional funding that would allow:
- Four team members to complete referee qualifications
- Four volunteers to gain coaching badges
- Young people to develop leadership and life skills
- Sustainable growth for the programme
These opportunities don’t just build better teams - they build confidence, responsibility and future career prospects.
Creating Opportunities Beyond the Pitch
Community Kicks is also exploring a partnership with South Staffordshire College, opening the door to valuable real-world experience for students.
Potential opportunities include placements and mentoring in:
- Sport and coaching
- Media and communications
- Website and digital skills
- Social media
- Health and social care
The vision is powerful:
college students mentoring young players - and young players inspiring the next generation.
That’s how communities grow.
Why Stories Like This Matter to Parents
Every parent of a child who plays sport understands the bigger picture.
Sport teaches resilience.
Sport builds friendships.
Sport creates purpose.
Sport keeps children active, engaged and connected.
But most importantly, sport can give children a place where they feel they belong.
Leanne’s story is a reminder that grassroots sport is often powered not by organisations, but by parents – mums, dads and other significant carers who care deeply about their communities and are willing to step forward.
The Future Is Still Being Written
Community Kicks has already made a meaningful impact in Tamworth, but the journey is only just beginning.
With continued support, partnerships, and passionate volunteers, the potential exists to expand the model to other communities across the UK - creating more safe spaces, more opportunities and more confident young people.
And it all started with one football mum who refused to give up.
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