Humans of Bloomsbury- Ben, Head of Futsal Administration
“I started playing football when I was around 6 or 7, just at school, in the playground. I joined a local team that my cousin played for because we were close growing up. A year or so later, I moved to another team, but I stopped playing properly by the age of 10.
I didn’t get back into football until I was around 15, which was when I started going to Arsenal matches with a friend from school. The same cousin that I played football with growing up was an Arsenal fan, so I became one as well- it wasn’t really ingrained in my family. Once I started going to games, that was it- that’s where my love of football grew and has remained.
For me, football has always been about the community. It’s about being a fan. I try to play recreationally, but for me the real love is going to matches, seeing the team, meeting people. It’s pure euphoria- the moment we score a goal. Nothing else matters in that moment- whatever may be going on in my life at that time, I’m not thinking about it. It’s an escape in a way.
My love for Arsenal has grown with me, and I wouldn’t feel this way about any other club. It’s been a constant in my life. I really struggle to explain it- it’s chasing a moment, that moment when we score and celebrate together. It’s community, it’s like one big family.
I wanted to work for Bloomsbury for two main reasons. The smaller team size means rapid professional development and an ability to really make a difference and have an impact. The second reason is the mission- to break down barriers to entry.
I was lucky enough growing up to be in a family that were able to support me playing sport, but I remember a couple of players I knew who didn’t get as far as they could have done because they didn’t have the financial support. Knowing that Bloomsbury Football exists to ensure that doesn’t happen- it’s so important”.
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