In a special film for BBC Sport, Ayo Akinwolere met up with Bobby Kasanga who details his inspirational story which begins with him earning a degree in prison and later founding Hackney Wick FC.
Bobby noticed whilst in prison that football instilled positivity and peace within himself and others. Using this as his inspiration, Bobby started the football club with the aim of giving local children a new opportunity and a positive hobby to keep them off the streets and away from criminal gangs.
Bobby reveals that players at his football club had to volunteer in order to be guaranteed a placed. Bobby would ask players to do a variety of good deeds around the local area such as local planting flowers, helping at the local cemetery and assisting at Hackney Festival.
Since its humble beginnings, the club has now evolved into a semi-professional club with over 20 teams including men and women led teams.
The aspirational film sees Ayo interview Bobby and later meet the players of Hackney Wick FC who offer testimony on how the club has changed their lives.
Watch Bobby Kasanga’s feature here and stay tuned to GRM Daily for more football news.