Today, Tottenham Hotspur, the National Football League (NFL) and Nike announced The Huddle Project — a joint-funded programme aimed at offering greater access to free sporting activity and job opportunities in Tottenham.
The Huddle Project, through a £1 million investment over the next three years, is set to launch a dual sport programme for boys and girls aged 11-18. This initiative combines football and NFL FLAG with wellbeing activities, aiming to significantly impact and transform the lives of young people in the local community.
Coaches from Tottenham Hotspur Foundation will conduct football drills. Meanwhile, NFL FLAG football sessions will be run by local coaches from the Tottenham-based HR Sports Academy, who have been trained by the NFL Foundation UK.
This programme will involve more than 300 young individuals who will gain from over 180 hours of sports coaching annually. In addition, they will participate in employment and education workshops directed by senior executives from the three brands.
Furthermore, Tottenham Hotspur and the NFL will collaborate to discover long-term employment opportunities for participants. This includes internships, work experience, and access to Tottenham Hotspur’s coach education programme as well as the NFL Academy in the UK.
During the 2023 NFL London Games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in N17, the partnership was declared. Local school children were invited to participate in sample activities on the field when the announcement was made.
The NFL and Tottenham Hotspur recently declared the extension of their collaboration until the 2029-30 season, which will include at least two regular season NFL games at the iconic stadium each year. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was also revealed as the UK’s Home of the NFL.
Nike has maintained a long-term partnership with both Spurs and the NFL, showing a dedication to fostering positive change and promoting creative talent in Tottenham through its partnership with Spurs. Additionally, Nike has collaborated with the NFL on various youth initiatives in both the United States and the United Kingdom, such as the development of NFL FLAG programmes and supporting the NFL Academy in the UK.
“The opportunity to bring three huge brands from the world of sport together to change the lives of young people in our community is a significant moment for Tottenham and the wider area,” said Donna-Maria Cullen, Executive Director, Tottenham Hotspur and Chair of Trustees, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. “Our vision when we built the stadium was that it would drive the uplift of the area and this new programme will further demonstrate how local young people from the most disadvantaged areas in our community can truly benefit from what is happening on their doorstep. We should like to thank the NFL and Nike for sharing our vision for Tottenham and committing to joining us in transforming the lives of young people through sport – something that has been a focus of the Club and its Foundation for more than 15 years. The Huddle Project can take our work in the community to a new level.”
“The Huddle Project is a unique and powerful collaboration with two of our most important partners in the UK in Spurs and Nike, and together we aim to drive tangible opportunities for young people in Tottenham,” said Henry Hodgson, NFL UK General Manager. “This follows our extended commitment with Tottenham Hotspur as Home of the NFL in the UK, bringing the social potential and impact of our partnership to the fore.”
“At Nike, we are committed to removing cultural, social and economic barriers to participation for young people from historically marginalised communities to be able to play and benefit from sport,” said Dan Burrows, Senior Director, Social & Community Impact, Nike EMEA. “Our work with partners like Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and the NFL is vital to create an active next generation and a healthier and more equitable future for all.”
