First and foremost, I am a football fan. I am also passionate about promoting sports as a vehicle for bringing communities together.

As a Sports Management Masters Graduate I based my studies on the impact of sports initiatives in promoting social and personal development in developing countries, focusing in particular in an African country, the Democratic Republic of São Tomé e Principe. Since graduating I have been able to pursue my interests professionally through my current role as Business Support Officer at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.

In 2012, UNESCO nominated Principe Island as Biosphere Reserve. Since then, UNESCO Principe Island Biosphere Reserve has targeted and promoted environmental, social and economic activities pursuing the sustainable development of the Island. This includes conservation and research; communication, awareness, social and economical development. The programme is supported by the local government to boost the development of its isolated and poorer communities.

In a partnership between UNESCO Principe Island Biosphere Reserve and Brentford FC CST, I was given the opportunity to undertake a research trip to trial sports development activities in two communities of Principe Island - Sundy and Praia Abade.

Through football, it was possible to engage with most of the children of these communities, where sports participation and engagement is scarce. The initiatives caught the attention of locals who volunteered to assist in delivering the sessions as well as to learn further about the sport. Subsequently, local clubs and people of all ages were inspired to promote football as a tool to engage with diverse topics such as education, environmental awareness, key social and personal skills, and to undertake basic training with the potential to gain sports coaching qualifications. Each community that took part received a set of footballs and bibs.

Through further discussion with community leaders, teachers, government officers, Managers of Biosphere Reserves, local government and other relevant stakeholders (local football clubs) it was agreed that it would be of long term interest and benefit to promote the sports development programme on a permanent basis.

As a result of this initial visit, Brentford FC CST is in discussions with Sao Tome and Principe local government and UNESCO Biosphere reserves. We are looking at the possibilities of developing the initiative further, with Brentford FC CST becoming the delivery partner for an expanded programme across the Island.

Updates will follow in due course.