Esports Youth Club welcomes new funding from PPL to strengthen youth provision across South London

Esports Youth Club (EYC), the South London Community Interest Company that uses gaming and esports to reimagine youth work, has received new funding from PPL, the Southwark-based social enterprise management consultancy, to sustain its work in Lewisham and support the organisation's next stage of growth.

PPL's continued support builds on its earlier backing, which, alongside the National Lottery and the Haberdashers' Company, helped EYC reopen weekly youth sessions in Lewisham this year, recording 212 attendances in the first eight weeks.

The funding will help EYC keep its South London provision strong while investing in the people and systems behind its work, so it can better understand the young people it supports, keep improving the quality of its sessions, and build a more sustainable future as it refines and expands its services.

PPL's support isn't just about donations. Its HQ in the heart of Southwark has accessible, spacious meeting rooms and event spaces, which local charities can use for free. This initiative, The PPL Hub, has saved charities over £250,000 in value so far.

Lewis Kay, Managing Director, Esports Youth Club, said:

"PPL chose to back us at exactly the stage where it makes the biggest difference. Their support gives us financial stability, confidence and the space to grow, and it means more young people across South London get consistent, high-quality provision. This is what a great local partnership looks like, and we're incredibly grateful to Simon, Claire and the whole PPL team."

Claire Kennedy and Simon Morioka, Joint Chief Executives, PPL, said:

"Young people need welcoming places where they can connect, build confidence and feel they belong. Esports Youth Club is creating those opportunities through a shared passion for gaming, and we're proud to contribute to this work."

"Supporting our charity and community partners in South London is an important part of our social purpose, and we want to help organisations like EYC thrive, giving them the stability to keep providing a safe, engaging environment for local young people."

About Esports Youth Club and PPL

About Esports Youth Club: Founded in 2021, EYC delivers more than 10 free weekly gaming and esports sessions for young people aged 11 to 18 across Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Merton, reaching over 100 young people each week. esportsyouthclub.org

About PPL: PPL is a social enterprise management consultancy, founded in 2007, that works with the NHS, local government and the voluntary sector on social challenges. It runs The PPL Hub, a free space where charities and community groups can meet, work and collaborate. ppl.org.uk