More ball games in Harrow: Hyde donation supports play with Zest of Mind and Watford FC CSE Trust

Our HAY Harrow survey provides a local perspective and reinforces the issues highlighted at the city level. Only 36% of young people in Harrow are active every day. Cost and lack of local facilities remain key barriers, with 1 in 10 saying they can’t afford activity outside school, and 11% mentioned a lack of suitable pitches or facilities nearby.

Over the summer, a practical response took place during one of our HAF camps. Through Hyde Housing Group’s play initiative, 100 basketballs were donated to two members of the Young Harrow Foundation — Zest of Mind and Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust. The handover event was attended by Harrow's Mayor, Cllr Anjana Patel, and the DVS Foundation, a long-term partner and supporter of the HAF programme, helping extend support to families who may not qualify for Free School Meals but are still facing significant financial or social challenges.

Hyde, under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Andy Hulme, is committed to enhancing communal spaces and play opportunities across its estates and partnerships. In addition to investing in play areas, Hyde distributes over 2,000 basketballs to local partners that support the G15 housing group and London Sport’s More Ball Games campaign.

For Zest of Mind and Watford FC CSE Trust, this donation helps expand their activities, increasing access for more young people and providing practical support like this directly benefits families, making it easier to address the barriers they encounter, such as costs and a lack of accessible facilities.

Thank you to Hyde for supporting grassroots play in Harrow and to Zest of Mind and Watford FC CSE Trust for their ongoing efforts throughout the borough.