"If you believe, you will achieve," says
Anton Ferdinand

Wednesday 24th October - a day that many had been waiting for to meet the one and only Anton Ferdinand. As the crowd went wild, Anton, a West Ham United player, arrived at the Power League football pitch in Catford at 2pm to witness an extraordinary game between two competitive teams, ex-gang members from Peckham VYG (South London) and Finsbury Park (North London). 

VYG supporters and other spectators stood along with Anton cheering and screaming to encourage both teams. The match was fantastic, as both teams really showed what they were made off.

“The game was really good and I really enjoyed watching the guys play with an aim to win and score goals,” said one supporter. “Though it was cold, the vibe and atmosphere was really captivating.” They continued.

Anton was fully focused on the game; and the crowd expressed their joy of meeting him, as he was very friendly and joined in as the VYG chanted continuously. As a professional footballer, Anton was able to observe the skills and faults of each player. At half time he gathered the teams together to discuss useful tips to strengthen their game. Indeed the tips proved to be helpful as North London won by 7-2, taking the winning prize (a signed shirt and a football) home. However, this was just the beginning of what to expect later on that day.

In the evening, just over 200 people packed the UCKG HelpCentre in Rye Lane, Peckham, where Anton was visiting; an area known for its notorious gangs and gun crime. The evening continued with Anton sharing his life story with the youths.

The UCKG HelpCentre has embarked on an ambitious initiative to raise 1.6 million by the end of November to save its Peckham branch from closing down. Facts have suggested that youth crime is on an increase here in the UK; and many young people in Peckham have walked through the UCKG’s doors searching for support to combat these long term issues with crime, guns and gangs.

“It is unacceptable that they would want to shut a place like this down when it is helping so many people. The reason why crime is increasing in Peckham is because it is lacking places like the UCKG HelpCentre, where youth can come and get things off their chest,” said Anton.

“When I didn’t have a place to go, I used to be naughty at school and was tempted to get involved in gangs and fall into the wrong crowd, but because I had strict parents I had to make a choice not to. At the time a tear would come to me when my mum would be hollering for me to get back inside; but now I’ve made it, and my dreams have come true so I’m thankful for that.

“The root to every down fall is your family background,” he continued, “If I didn’t think this was a positive thing I wouldn’t be here today,” concluded Anton.

Pastor Luke Castro, leader of the VYG, offered Anton a special prayer to bless his career and the Peckham branch before Anton left with a final word, “If you believe, you will achieve... and now I say ‘we’ can achieve this target, because now I am part of this.”

The fight to keep the doors of Peckham HelpCentre continues and if you would like to lend your support donate now.

View pictures from the event.