At 15, Esther Elias, a South Londoner, was a rising footballer with dreams of turning professional. A tibial osteotomy ended that dream, but it sparked a new mission: to change the game for girls like her. Just a year later, she founded Effort Over Environment Collective (EOE) — a South London-based non-profit dedicated to equipping girls and women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive, both in football and beyond.

At 19, Esther has already coached for Nottingham Forest Boys Academy and Crystal Palace Women’s, using her experience to mentor and inspire the next generation of players.

The reality is stark:

1 in 3 girls drop out of sport by age 16 due to lack of access, confidence, or safe spaces.

Despite growing visibility of women’s sport, girls still face barriers that prevent them from reaching their potential.

But sport works. 94% of women at C-Suite level have previously played sport, and every £1 invested in community sport for women and girls delivers £4 in social return.

That’s why EOE focuses on three key areas:

Education and Mentorship: Workshops and guidance connecting girls with role models.

Football and Wellbeing: Inclusive sessions that build confidence, teamwork, and resilience.

Storytelling and Representation: Amplifying authentic voices through media and paid creative opportunities.

Your support helps us break down barriers, create safe spaces, and give girls the tools to lead, create, and inspire change. Every donation shows that effort, not environment, drives transformation, turning potential into real impact.

Donate today and help us build a future where every girl can thrive.