Starting life as Rimini FC (because of their first away game to Italy) the team became Broadwater United in 1983 and is now London Elite Sports & Football Academy.
“I got involved in the Broadwater Farm Youth Association because of Miss Dolly. She lived on the estate and asked me if I would get involved as she felt I could positively influence the young people.
“I agreed and just asked them – ‘What do you want to do?’ They wanted football, so we used the pitch at back of the community centre. We cleaned it up, looked after it and everything went from there.”
Over the decades thousands of young people have passed through the academy, “We’ve got success stories like Jobi McAnuff who trained with Broadwater United. I got him to Wimbledon, and he went on to captain Reading. He is the first person of colour to win the Sir Tom Finney award.
“Courtney Coffi Smith also started with us. I took him to Spurs and within one training session they signed him up with the Spurs youth team.”
It’s clear that the academy means more to Clasford than just sporting success. He emphasises the importance of understanding the young people he works with. “From how they walk in the door I know who they are. I may have 100 kids, but I’ve got my eye on the two who will cause the ripple effect, and I connect.”
He tells a story about a young girl he remembers, “She used to mix with the boys - hanging around and smoking. I talked to her and said, ‘don’t waste your time with them.’ I didn’t see her for a while and then she returned. She’d got a job with a local law firm and went on to be a solicitor. It’s that kind of success that makes it worth it.” Clasford continues, “I don’t like to see talent wasted. I don’t let it slip, and I don’t compromise, but when you see their smile from achieving something - nothing can buy that.
“I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated work of our volunteers who have helped us to reach and maintain a high level of provision for our children and the support from Haringey and their officers. Thank you one and all.”
With the next generation lacing up their boots and stepping onto the pitch, the spirit that began all those years ago is still going strong. And at the centre is Clasford Stirling, MBE, championing their potential.
