A £4,000 donation delivered through Crossrail’s Community Investment Programme has helped a grassroots youth football team beat the threat of closure. Tower Hamlets based Senrab F.C. is notable for producing an impressive roster of talent, which includes John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King, Jermaine Defoe and many more professional and international players past and present. 

However, a combination of spiraling costs and a lack of funding has threatened the survival of the club which plays a vital role in the community.  Founded in 1961, the club now comprises 23 teams, with players ranging between the ages of five and seventeen.

Crossrail contractor BAM Nuttall / Kier (BNK) who is carrying out piling works for the new Crossrail Whitechapel station has made the donation as part of the Crossrail Community Investment Programme, which requires contractors delivering Crossrail works to support the communities in which they are working.

The donation has been used to pay for new strips, footballs and other essential training kit and will be part of a wider package of community investment by BNK.

Senrab F.C. Club Secretary, Tony Carroll said: “This donation provides vital life blood to the club and enables us to buy urgently needed new kit for our players.  These have been tough times for Senrab, and we couldn’t survive without the backing of local businesses and projects like Crossrail.”

BNK’s Community Relations Manager Jade Onashoga said: “We want to put something useful and sustainable back into the community.  Senrab F.C. plays a hugely important role by giving local youngsters in Tower Hamlets a positive outlet for their skills and ambitions, and we are proud to support the club.”

Crossrail Project Manager for Whitechapel John McGrath said: “Crossrail will be working at Whitechapel for the next five years, and is committed to playing a responsible part in the life of the community. Our Community Investment Programme will leave a legacy far beyond the life of the construction works, and help set the standard for future projects.”