Fulham star Calvin Bassey refurbishes childhood youth club to inspire next generation
Calvin Bassey could be forgiven for dining out on his status as Fulham 's Player of last Season. Instead the coveted centre-back has gone back to the future to pay it forward.
Bassey, 25, has funded the renovation and reopening of the Forest Gate Youth Centre - where he spent his teenage years - in east London.
It was an environment that would shape and encourage his determination to become a footballer, let alone win silverware with Rangers and move to the elite division of English club football.
Since impressing at the 2022 Europa League Final with that club, Bassey has been snapped by Dutch giants Ajax and sign for Fulham for a £20million fee two years ago.
He has never forgotten, however, how and where it all began - in Forest Gate. The Calvin Bassey Collective launched last week, hosting 90 young people and giving back to the community.
It is an initiative rooted in community, inclusivity, and empowerment, pledging long-term support for young people across London by investing in safe spaces and creating opportunities both on and off the pitch.
'For me, it's special,' Bassey told Mirrorfootball, "because it's a place me and my friends used to come, gather and just have fun, Just be kids.
'The centre was able to provide us with certain things my family didn't have. A table tennis table, for example.
'I didn't have that at home, so being able to come here and play table tennis sounds so simple, but when you're here, it's lit.
'So I've got good memories with my boys here.'
It hasn't all been plain sailing for Bassey. As with a number of areas across the country, crime has blighted and claimed the lives of loved ones he grew up with over the years.
But the heartbreak has acted as an inspiration rather than an obstacle.
'I'm just a normal guy and I want to show kids that if I can do it, they can do it. That's what I want them to leave with them.
'That's my motivation to improve this safe space with a gym, new astro turf and goals for them to play football.
'I want try to help this place stay fun and interactive for the kids. It's important to me.
'Growing up I've had friends, I've lost friends and it's important for me to not have other kids repeat that cycle.
'Unfortunately we've had kids in the area getting involved in gang knife crimes. So for me it's my way of trying to tackle it and give kids the inspiration that if one angle doesn't work out, there are other ways that you can achieve your dream.
'There are other opportunities out there and for me it's making sure they're focused on what's more important.'
Religion was all important to Bassey as a child and still is. Both his parents made sacrifices - despite their humble beginnings - to ensure his career could begin at Leicester. He is now proud to praised God for his success.
'God is my guide. He protects me. My middle name is Chinedu which means 'God leads'.
'So God guides me and he protects me. And I'm so happy that people are coming out and being so open about it, showing the amazing things God's been able to do in our lives, you know, because I truly believe that without God, none of this would be here.'
Crystal Palace 's shock FA Cup win has acted to inspire clubs outside the Premier League 's top six teams that they too can beat the elite clubs to silverware in the most competitive league in the world.
Fulham kick of the new season away to Brighton next month and Bassey is confident his side will be among the clubs similarly hungry to defy the odds.
'Last season, the so-called mid-table clubs like Bournemouth did so well and it just goes to show the quality in the Premier League throughout - from position one to position 20.
'We were able to beat Liverpool in April and they went on to be champions. It shows what happens with togetherness and when players really buy into what the manager wants- you can achieve anything.'
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
26 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Russell Martin backed by American owners will pip ‘weaker' Celtic and restore Rangers to title glory
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAKING predictions for the Premiership with a month of the transfer window to go isn't easy. There have been massive changes across the league already this summer but the Old Firm especially still have major business to do. 4 Djeidi Gassama has made an instant impact at the Gers Credit: Getty 4 Benjamin Nygren is expected to be a big player for Celtic Credit: Kenny Ramsay 4 Lawrence Shankland could be key for Hearts Credit: Kenny Ramsay The outcome of a close title race could be influenced by what happens with signings over the next four weeks. But I'll stick my neck on the line right now and say Rangers will win the Premiership. My Celtic friends out there will say I'm bound to get it right one day if I keep tipping my old club! Yet this properly feels like a new era at Rangers — with fresh ideas under the American owners and Russell Martin. It's going to be tough and you can't argue with Celtic starting the season as favourites to win a fifth successive title. But right now, they are weaker than they were last season and while you could say the same about Rangers, Martin's squad is getting stronger all the time. Mikey Moore was the latest arrival on Friday. I wouldn't expect too much too soon from the Spurs kid, but it's another attacking option. With Djeidi Gassama hitting the ground running and Thelo Aasgaard arriving with a big reputation, Rangers will be strong offensively. Yes, Hamza Igamane looks to be heading out and there is uncertainty over the future of Cyriel Dessers but Martin — backed by Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers — will not be left short if one or two do go. Rangers transfer special as Russell Martin eyes THREE wingers, Coady latest and Dowell future Across the city, Brendan Rodgers is now at the stage of the transfer window where he's making a public appeal for players. In Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren, Celtic have made two top signings. But the manager wants more and you can sense a bit of concern among the fanbase. With Jota injured, Nicolas Kuhn gone and Rodgers still asking for a Kyogo Furuhashi replacement, Celtic look short in attack. The uncertainty over the manager's future won't help matters as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Then you have the Daizen Maeda situation, with that new contract still not signed months after it was put on the table. There is no doubt the Japanese striker will be a target for English and European clubs. At 27, he is at the stage where his next deal will be the biggest of his career. It wouldn't surprise me if Celtic got a massive bid for Maeda before the window shuts and I'm not sure they would turn it down. The same goes for Rangers and Nico Raskin, another player who will be attracting major interest. Cavenagh and the Ibrox board have made it clear a strong player-trading model is at the core of their plan. 4 That might mean cashing in on Raskin this summer and while he would be a loss, Celtic would miss Maeda a whole lot more. Whatever happens, I can't see Rodgers' side running away with the title like they have in the recent past. Martin hasn't wasted time in building foundations and with a few more additions Rangers will be strong title contenders. Below the Old Firm, I don't see anyone beating Hearts to third place under Derek McInnes. With Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics on board, the Tynecastle club have long-term ambitions of winning the league. That won't happen this season but they could surprise a lot of people after a summer of shrewd recruitment. From Stuart Findlay to Claudio Braga, Hearts' signings have been excellent. Keeping Lawrence Shankland was also crucial. In McInnes, they also have a manager who knows Scottish football inside out and they will finish third. Hibs will be up there battling with their Edinburgh rivals and I would expect another strong season from David Gray's men as they continue to progress. Then come Aberdeen and it will be fascinating to see if Jimmy Thelin can build on the Scottish Cup win. I have been critical of the Dons' signing policy and with European football to deal with, they still look a bit short. St Mirren have been top-six regulars in recent years and I don't see that changing. Have YOU got a point for Kris Boyd? Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah chew over the big talking points each week SOMETHING you've just got to get off your chest from the weekend action? A burning Scottish football talking point you can't wait to bring up with Kris Boyd and Roger Hannah? SunSport's GoBallistic show wants to hear from you! So why not help set the Scottish football agenda for the week ahead! Have your say on the game's big topics by emailing us on: GoBallistic@ It's YOUR turn to Go Ballistic! Keeping hold of boss Stephen Robinson amid all the interest in him was a major coup and I fully expect them to have another strong season. Dundee United produced two solid European performances as they booked a Conference League tie with Rapid Vienna. Jim Goodwin clearly believes that you get better value signing players from outwith Scotland and I find that alarming. But he is doing a good job at Tannadice and you would expect them to battle St Mirren for that sixth place. Then there is a pack of four clubs who probably won't bother the top six — but should be safe of automatic relegation. Kilmarnock are among them. They have lost key players but Stuart Kettlewell is a sensible appointment and they will be fine. Falkirk have momentum after back-to-back promotions and are good to watch. They will find it much tougher, but they should have enough to steer clear of danger. The same goes for Livingston but I would have more concerns over Motherwell and the potential for them to get dragged into the play-off. As for relegation, I can't see past Dundee as things stand. I didn't agree with the sacking of Tony Docherty and they have since lost an entire team. They should have obliterated their League Cup group but instead failed to qualify. Docherty's replacement Steven Pressley is already under pressure from the Dundee fans and I fear things won't get much better for them. It all starts this weekend, with four games live on Sky Sports and all the best coverage in The Scottish Sun. As usual, there will be drama and chaos — and I can't wait for it. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
South Wales Guardian
29 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Ryan Johnson's own goal gifts Luton all three points in League One opener
Matt Bloomfield's side, who were playing in the Premier League 15 months ago, had produced barely a chance of note – against a team which at the same time were finishing 10th in the fourth tier – until the Dons defender inadvertently lifted the ball over Nathan Bishop from Nahki Wells' forward punt and in off the crossbar with five minutes left. It was the first time since 2019 Luton had played at this level and an immediate return to the Championship looked like being anything but straightforward as Johnnie Jackson's visitors, fresh from victory in the League Two play-off final, contained them with relative ease for much of the match. The opening 45 minutes saw the teams muster two shots on goal between them, both off target and one of which landed on the roof of the Oak Stand behind Wimbledon goalkeeper Bishop. Visiting defender Joe Lewis might have been lucky to escape harsher punishment when he halted a clear run on goal for Wells, receiving just a yellow card for tripping the Hatters debutant when seemingly the last man. Reuell Walters finally had Luton's first shot on target after 63 minutes, drawing an outstanding one-handed save from Bishop with a drilled half-volley from range. Wimbledon looked to have done enough to earn a point, but then came Johnson's unfortunate wayward header to gift the Hatters victory.
South Wales Argus
31 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Ryan Johnson's own goal gifts Luton all three points in League One opener
Matt Bloomfield's side, who were playing in the Premier League 15 months ago, had produced barely a chance of note – against a team which at the same time were finishing 10th in the fourth tier – until the Dons defender inadvertently lifted the ball over Nathan Bishop from Nahki Wells' forward punt and in off the crossbar with five minutes left. It was the first time since 2019 Luton had played at this level and an immediate return to the Championship looked like being anything but straightforward as Johnnie Jackson's visitors, fresh from victory in the League Two play-off final, contained them with relative ease for much of the match. The opening 45 minutes saw the teams muster two shots on goal between them, both off target and one of which landed on the roof of the Oak Stand behind Wimbledon goalkeeper Bishop. Visiting defender Joe Lewis might have been lucky to escape harsher punishment when he halted a clear run on goal for Wells, receiving just a yellow card for tripping the Hatters debutant when seemingly the last man. Reuell Walters finally had Luton's first shot on target after 63 minutes, drawing an outstanding one-handed save from Bishop with a drilled half-volley from range. Wimbledon looked to have done enough to earn a point, but then came Johnson's unfortunate wayward header to gift the Hatters victory.
