18 years of deep social impact, built on unconditional care.
We are a deep social impact organisation that has developed and adapted over 18 years into three strategic pillars: Sports & Physical Activity, Community & Placemaking, and Mentoring & Workforce Development. Meeting the needs of our East London community so youth can compete on the world stage.
To inspire and empower the most underserved communities — nurturing confidence in their capabilities and recognising their inherent value in the world.
Driving societal transformation through the joint strengthening of communities — creating an inclusive and accessible world for all.
Every voice matters. Every potential shines. Every seat at the table is essential.
The BADU Position Statement
How We Drive Transformation
Sports & Physical Activity
Delivering PE to 52+ primary schools, Badu FC academy, holiday camps, and outdoor expeditions — building lifelong active habits and athletic pathways.
Mentoring & Workforce Development
1-on-1 career navigation, GCSE/A-level academic tuition, paid creative media internships, and coaching accreditations. BADU partners with Hackney Council to help people into employment.
Community & Placemaking
Operating BADU Café at Hackney Bridge, Sky Digital Studios, and revitalising Olympic Park sporting grounds — creating inclusive, accessible spaces for all.
Broaden · Advance · Develop · Understand
“We understood that our community does not need a static organisation that has one model and does one thing. They told us they needed an organisation that has a holistic approach and meets them where they are.”
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.
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.
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.