Project 17's HomeGrown event brought together football, culture and community in Chislehurst, creating a day that was about far more than results on the pitch.
Project 17 HomeGrown
Flamingo Park played host to Project 17's HomeGrown event this weekend as players, families and supporters gathered for a celebration of football and community.
Hosted as part of the Project 17 Cup 2026 Powered by UGG, the event featured both Under-12 and Senior competitions, with teams competing throughout the day in front of a lively crowd.
While Baitese eventually lifted the trophy, the tournament itself was only part of the story.
HomeGrown showcased how football can bring people together, create opportunities and provide a platform for causes that extend beyond the game.
Football's Power To Bring People Together
One of football's greatest strengths is its ability to unite people from different backgrounds through a shared passion.
That was evident throughout HomeGrown.
Young players competed in front of family and friends, supporters gathered around the pitches and members of the local community spent the day enjoying an event that felt welcoming and inclusive.
The atmosphere reflected the wider purpose behind Project 17: using football as a way of creating meaningful connections between people.
For many attendees, the sense of community was just as important as anything that happened on the pitch.
Why Seeing Role Models Matters For Young Players
Several professional footballers attended the event to support Alex Iwobi and Project 17, including Callum Hudson-Odoi, Calvin Bassey, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Martial Godo, Josh Nichols and Toby Aromolaran.
Their presence provided young players with the opportunity to see role models engaging directly with the communities they represent.
The Premier League was also in attendance and brought the trophy Arsenal lifted during their title-winning campaign, giving many young supporters the chance to see one of football's most recognisable prizes up close.
For aspiring footballers, moments like these can be powerful reminders that success is achievable and that professional players can still remain connected to their roots.
Culture At The Heart Of The Event
Football was the centrepiece of the day, but culture played an equally important role.
Food vendors reflected the diversity of the communities attending the event, with supporters able to enjoy African Fish and Chips, African Doughnuts, Chicken Suya and Jollof Rice throughout the day.
Combined with music, family activities and a vibrant atmosphere, the event became a celebration of identity as well as football.
It highlighted how the game often serves as a reflection of the communities that support it.
Read More: Alex Iwobi’s Project 17: Using Football To Change Lives Beyond The Pitch
Raising Awareness Through Football
Alongside the football, HomeGrown also helped raise awareness and funds for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT).
The charity had a dedicated stand at the event, providing information about its work and engaging directly with attendees throughout the day.
Football has long been used as a platform to support important causes, and HomeGrown demonstrated how community events can create opportunities for education and positive social impact.
For ACLT, it was a chance to reach new audiences. For visitors, it was an opportunity to learn about an important cause while enjoying a day centred around football.
Why Events Like This Matter
While one team left with a trophy, the lasting impact of HomeGrown was found elsewhere.
It was seen in young players meeting role models, families spending time together and communities coming together through a shared love of football.
For aspiring players, the event offered an important lesson: football is about more than winning matches.
It can create opportunities, strengthen communities and inspire positive change.
That is what made HomeGrown much more than a tournament.
