“It’s made me a more confident and creative person. Because I can do more art. I can’t really do it at my house because of my brothers, and I can do it here without them ripping my drawings.”
Girl participant, aged 8
This year we had the joy of running our ZONAL project in two Brighton primary schools, Moulsecoomb and Fairlight. Thanks to the support of the Chalk Cliff Trust, we brought together mixed groups of boys and girls to explore creativity, confidence and teamwork through art and football.
The results were inspiring. Pride, creativity, laughter – challenges! – and a real sense of belonging filled every session.
What Is ZONAL?
ZONAL began after we noticed how many school football kits were old, worn out and passed down too many times to feel special. The teams wearing them often felt the same, disconnected and unsure of their place.
We wanted to change that.
ZONAL gives children ownership of their school’s football identity. Over six weeks, pupils design their own kits exploring colour, badge ideas and team slogans before heading out to the pitch for fun, inclusive football sessions.
The focus isn’t on winning. It’s on belonging, creativity and confidence.
Who We Worked With
ZONAL is designed for children who might find the school day tough, those with additional needs, behavioural challenges or low confidence.
Research shows that children with SEND are often less likely to take part in sport and art activities, usually because of access, confidence or cost barriers. But when they do have the chance, the benefits are huge: better wellbeing, stronger friendships and greater self-belief.
“I used to play Friday football but there were a load of boys there and they would make fun of me. Now there are more girls joining, and they don’t really make fun of me anymore.”
Girl participant, aged 9
For many, ZONAL became that safe place where they could play, make, and belong.
The Impact
By the end of the project, the difference was clear. Children walked taller. They supported each other more. They were proud of their designs, their teams and themselves.
Our surveys showed:
- Every participant strongly agreed they enjoyed the course
- Confidence and enjoyment in both football and design increased significantly
- Teamwork and creativity flourished
“I like that the football is just fun. It’s not about winning.”
Girl participant, aged 9
“It made me more confident and creative. I feel more proud to show off my art now.”
Boy participant, aged 8
“I think I can try doing what we’ve done with ZONAL at home.”
Girl participant, aged 8
And when asked to rate how much they enjoyed the art sessions out of 10, one pupil simply said:
“Infinity times infinity.”
Thank You
To everyone who supported ZONAL, thank you.
You’ve helped children discover new confidence, build pride in their school teams and experience the joy of expressing themselves through sport and art.
What’s Next
We’d love to bring ZONAL to more Brighton schools. If you’d like to help us make that happen, get in touch or support our next project. Together we can keep creating spaces where every child feels seen, capable and proud.
About ZONAL
ZONAL is an arts and sport project designed to help primary school children in Brighton grow in confidence and creativity through football kit design and inclusive coaching. The project focuses on building belonging and self-expression for those who might not always have access to creative or sporting opportunities.
