Kevin Campbell was born in Brixton joined Arsenal as a trainee in 1985, going on to play for the first team and a number of other big clubs before his retirement in 2007. After playing he worked on TV and supported aid projects.
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Leisure and Sports, said: “Kevin sadly died following a short illness and his death caused much sadness in Brixton where he was still well known by many people from his school days, and for his strong connection to the area.
“He means a lot to local people so I’m really pleased the council’s leisure services are now working closely with the foundation set up in his memory to create new sporting opportunities for our young people.
“The power of sport is so strong in helping our young people feel part of their communities, build connections and boost their health at a time when issues like obesity are affecting far too many of our youngsters. We want to build an inclusive partnership that everyone can benefit from.”
To build on that legacy the partnership has already seen two top Lambeth youth football teams, The St Matthew’s Project and Afewee FC, visited the Emirates Stadium for a tour organised by the Kevin Campbell Foundation, to play football, meet some of Kevin’s former team mates and share inspiring stories.
The council and the foundation are now working on plans to create new football and other sporting opportunities for young people in Lambeth to take part in.
The Founder and CEO of the Kevin Campbell Foundation, Kevin’s sister, Lorna Campbell said “This exciting partnership with The London Borough of Lambeth Council, we hope will be a game-changing moment for grassroots football in the borough, in terms of enabling competitive playing opportunities for young people.
“We hope to work closely with Lambeth Council to identify areas where we can support, inspire and enable more young people to gain a positive experience of football that will continue to have a significant impact on young people’s physical health, mental health and social development.”
To find out more about the charity foundation visit kevincampbellfoundation.com/.
