The pathway in action.
Every project opens access to an activity. where it’s right, we build development and progression into their structure.
Each sample project below shows where it sits on our pathway: Access → Process → Success.
The Arts · Live · Funded
Ladder Up Ballet
What is it?
Free ballet sessions led by specialist ballet instructors. Supported by London Marathon Foundation funding.
Who is it for?
Younger primary-aged children and the local community.
Why does it matter?
Ballet is often seen as exclusive and is costly to access. Free, local sessions open up an art form — and the creative confidence and cultural capital that come with it — to children who might otherwise never try it.
How it fits
Access: removes cost and cultural barriers to the arts.
Process: children learn the value of creativity, focus and discipline. High expectations and belief in children and their abilities are a key part of these sessions.
Sport · Live
Fuss Free Football
What is it?
Free, welcoming football sessions where beginners can try the game and more experienced players build confidence in a relaxed environment. Delivered by Ladder Up through a partnership arrangement.
Who is it for?
Children aged 5–12, and young coaches developing with Ladder Up.
Why does it matter?
It opens access to sport for younger children — and gives older young people a real setting to coach, take responsibility and develop.
How it fits
Access for children through free football. Process for young coaches, who develop leadership, communication and standards through delivery, responsibility and mentoring.
Progression
Participant → helper → young coach → session lead
Coming soon - Earn IT
Football, Education & Employability
Sport · Education · Funded
Sport · Education · Funded - coming soon
EARN IT
What is it?
A partnership project with our friends at the charity Reaching Higher that combines football with education and employability development across South London. Go! London Foundation funding has been secured.
Who is it for?
Young people in South London with a focus in Croydon
Why does it matter?
It uses the pull of football to connect young people with learning, skills and routes into work. Tackling equity issues from access to activity all the way through to employment.
How it fits
The full pathway: Access through football, Process through structured education and CLIMB development, Success through employability outcomes.
Progression
Access: reaching primary and secondary age children with high quality activity
Process: children and young people attend free training sessions but EARN their right to attend through education sessions, supporting delivery of younger pupils and work alongside Ladder UP leads to bring activity to their own schools where they become events managers, organisers and facilitators.
Success: Older students EARN access to the Ladder UP network and through supporting delivery as volunteers can receive funded entry level qualifications, opportunities for paid employment or internships with Ladder UP or partner organisations.
Community · Fundraising · Development
#EduFootyAid
What is it?
An emerging fundraising initiative with 2Simple. Schools and educational institutions host their own football events for their local education community before returning to their organisations with resources and important messaging around the power of sport in supporting Mental Health and wellbeing.
Who is it for?
Schools, educational institutions and anyone in the education community who fancies a kick-about for a good cause.
Why does it matter?
It brings education communities together while raising funds for Mental Health charity Beyond and to support Ladder Up’s continuing work.
How it fits
Funds raised help sustain our operations and continue our standalone Access opportunities.
Progression
Access: Generate funding to support Ladder Up’s operations and Access activity
Process: Educators return to their schools and educate their young people around the science behind positive wellbeing through sporting activity - increasing awareness of opportunities is the first step to encouraging young people to make the best of what they can access already. If school’s identify a shortfall they can reach out to Ladder Up for support and partnership.
Want to bring a project to your community?
Looking for an activity, or think there’s a gap in provision for your community?
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