“Spurs showed me the kind of person I could be” - Farouk’s story

“When you’re in care, you don’t really have somewhere to go where you can feel ‘normal’.”

These are the words of Tottenham teenager Farouk, whose experience of the care system began as an eight-year-old who had recently arrived in the UK from Nigeria.

Farouk’s first involvement with the Club came shortly after he was taken into care.

For the last six years, he has been part of To Care Is To Do, a unique programme run by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation which supports children in care and care leavers in our local community. 

Research suggests that when compared to other children, this group of young people tend to have poorer outcomes in several areas, including education, employment, and mental health (NSPCC).

To Care Is To Do provides a range of activities and services – from educational trips and social events, to life skills workshops and mentoring – aimed at improving these outcomes and helping children in care reach their potential.

Through his time in the programme, Foundation staff have watched Farouk grow into a young man with high hopes for the future.

Last year, an outstanding set of GCSE results secured him a place to study at the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, an academically selective, state funded sixth form sponsored by the Club and Highgate School. After completing his A Levels, Farouk’s goal is to attend Oxford University and pursue a career in business.

Farouk has also challenged himself outside his studies by hosting an awards ceremony at our stadium, where he was joined by the Mayor of Haringey, Sheila Peacock, and young Spurs players, Alfie Whiteman and Jamie Bowden.

Most recently, the Foundation supported Farouk with CV-writing and interview skills, which helped him land a part-time job at the Spurs Shop at the Tottenham Experience.

Nikky Alagbe, who has known the 17-year-old throughout his time with the To Care Is To Do programme, said: “Like all our young people, Farouk deserves the very best.

“The fact that life is looking great for him – that touches my heart.”

Farouk added: “Spurs have had a very big impact. They have nurtured me and showed me the kind of person I could be. I’m very grateful for that.”