BADU
Every voice matters. Every potential shines. Every seat at the table is essential.
Inspiring and empowering the most underserved communities — nurturing confidence in their capabilities and recognising their inherent value in the world.
Three Pillars of The Badu Way
Meeting our East London community where they are — so youth can compete on the world stage.
Sports & Physical Activity
Best-in-class PE, camps and academy pathways for East London schools.
Learn moreMentoring & Workforce
1-on-1 guidance, free tuition and employer connections into real jobs.
Learn moreCommunity & Placemaking
Circular economy, family support and spaces anchored in the borough.
Learn moreWhat We Do at BADU
BADU works through three pillars — Sports & Physical Activity, Mentoring & Workforce Development, and Community & Placemaking — meeting our East London community where they are so youth can compete on the world stage.
Schools & Education Provision
“Since our founding, we have worked with schools within the East London community providing best-in-class programmes that are tailored towards the needs of the individual students, teachers, coaches and schools. Our seasoned tutors and coaches are known to deliver highly engaging and fun-filled classes that will empower and uplift all of BADU students, teachers and parents.”
Clubs & Camps
Unconditional holiday provision, weekend clubs & safe spaces
School-holiday camps providing multi-sport coaching, creative workshops, nutritious hot meals and coastal expeditions for over 700 inner-city youth.
Mentoring Programmes
1-on-1 guidance, free tuition & career pathways
Guiding young people through education transitions, GCSE/A-level revision, personal challenges and career pathways with top corporate partners.
Badu FC Academy
Elite grassroots football pathways & character development
Teaching resilience, tactical discipline and leadership with direct pathways into professional football clubs and university scholarships.
Community & Families
Unconditional family support & circular economy
Ensuring no family is left behind. Supporting hundreds of local families with emergency holiday hampers, mental health circles and grassroots sports.
Badu Spaces & Café
Hackney Bridge community hub, café & digital studios
Physical spaces anchored in the community: BADU Café at Hackney Bridge, Sky Digital Production Lab and Olympic Park playing grounds.
18 Years of Deep Social Impact
From our first 6 primary schools in Hackney to an internationally recognised Community Interest Company empowering thousands of students, teachers and families.
Founded 'Let's Get Fit for Sports' — Hackney PE Provision
Founded as a dedicated grassroots PE and sports provider in East London schools to tackle physical inactivity and deliver positive role models.
Began with a handful of local schools in Hackney. The passion and rapid improvement in student engagement, behaviour and athletic drive sparked swift expansion into curriculum PE and PPA cover.
Endorsed by the Very Best
Our patrons and institutional partners lend their voices, prestige and active mentorship to champion the schools and families of East London.
Martin Tyler
Voice of Football & BroadcasterThree decades with Sky Sports and ITV. As an active football coach, Martin provides vocal advocacy and strategic guidance for BADU FC.
Emiliano Marcondes
Professional Footballer & PhilanthropistPremier League & EFL midfielder. Passionate about mentoring young athletes and ensuring sports serve as an inclusive vehicle for education.
Alexander Tettey
Former Premier League CaptainJoined BADU as an active mentor in 2020, sharing lived experience of grit, mindset and discipline with youth athletes.
Working Alongside Trusted Authorities
Real Outcomes, Real Communities
Measuring what matters — people supported, jobs secured, and events delivered across East London. Full figures available in our latest impact report.
Join Us In Person
Community sports days, mentoring circles and partner networking — there's a seat at the table for everyone. Register your place below.
Backed by Those Who Believe
We partner with councils, employers and institutions committed to inclusive opportunity across East London.
The BADU Store
Wear the badge with pride. Every purchase directly funds school PE kits, free holiday camp meals, and youth mentoring in Hackney & East London.
BADU Heritage Heavyweight Hoodie
450gsm organic brushed cotton with embossed BADU crest. 100% of profits fund local school sports kits.
Badu FC Pro Home Kit
Pro-performance moisture-wicking fabric with heat-applied BADU crest and commemorative patch.
Academy Technical Track Pants
Streamlined athletic fit with zipped ankle cuffs and secure pockets, designed for coaches and youth athletes.
BADU Insulated Water Bottle (750ml)
Double-walled vacuum insulated — keeps water cold 24h. Every bottle eliminates single-use plastics across our camps.
Meet Our Committed Team
Seasoned tutors, coaches, and youth workers dedicated to uplifting East London’s schools and next generation.
Nana Badu
18+ years steering grassroots transformation. Sol Campbell Lion Hearts Award recipient and visionary behind the BADU schools ecosystem.
Chief Operating Officer
Spearheading institutional partnerships with Hackney Council, Mayor of London, Sky and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park estate.
Head of Sports & Coach Development
Directing UEFA-aligned training, school PPA delivery across 52 primary schools and mentor accreditation for young East Londoners.
Community Engagement Officer
Connecting families, holiday hunger initiatives, food distribution and mental health support programmes throughout the borough.
Sports Development Officer
Lead practitioner for the BADU x Nike LevelUp female coaching initiative, empowering the next wave of female coaches.
Data & Insight Coordinator
Measuring real quantitative impact — tracking youth educational transitions, school attendance improvements and physical literacy metrics.