Hello, I’m Sesi, the founder of Eyes for Goal

I was born in Central London and grew up with my family. My father who was a caretaker at the time, but had worked as a teacher in different countries before I was born, left when I was young so my mother was my everything. Things quickly changed from good to bad when my mother fell ill before we moved from Central London to Essex. My siblings and I had to adapt to our new environment and circumstances quickly. My mother, a single mother and a lawyer was recovering from multiple strokes and at the age of eleven, I took on the role of her carer with the help of other family members while I was still trying to study. It was a tough time and I struggled to cope.

Things got worse when my mother unfortunately passed away. I was thirteen at the time. Family situations meant I couldn’t attend her funeral and my mental state suffered tremendously as a result, not just mine but my siblings and other family members too. Not helped by the fact she wasn’t buried in London so naturally I felt all types of emotions and it took its toll. I tried to focus on my studies but ended up rebelling and doing my own thing. I eventually found solace in work and on the football pitch. The two combined helped me keep a level head. It was not easy as everyday was different.

At sixteen I opted to do a football course and was grateful to be accepted into the Lewisham College Football Academy. Personal circumstances meant I didn’t finish the course, but I had a great experience there and met some lovely people. I learnt a lot from the coaches and staff and I took that experience with me as I moved forward in life. Since leaving the Football Academy I’ve worked in administration, customer service, security, hospitality and more.

So many people struggle with mental health issues and don’t speak about it for fear of being judged. I’ve been judged by strangers, colleagues and worse by people who knew and cared about me. I know exactly how the stigma can leave you feeling.

I was twenty-five and working in hospitality when my father passed away. All the emotions that I’d been suppressing came flooding back – anger, hurt, confusion, depression… so much pain. Two years later I got my diagnosis, it felt like I was sliding backwards. Having to explain to those who gained interest once again who I was and what I’d been through. I had a tendency to speak my mind, a quality that’s not always appreciated in our society and so I found it was often better for me to write down what I was feeling to avoid getting worked up and saying or doing something I’d regret. It was a good strategy.

It seems nowadays we are expected to hide our feelings away and not express them. I hope to change this unhealthy narrative, through sports mainly. I want to help anyone suffering or who finds it hard to express themselves properly. Engaging in a positive outlet can help build confidence and social skills leading to increased happiness and confidence. That is where Eyes for Goal comes off the bench, warms up, and comes into play and scores! Bring on that super sub!

I know first-hand the benefits sports has given me. It has saved me time and time again when I wanted to do something foolish, and I say if sports can save my life, it can save another person’s life too, and that is the ultimate goal.

I love socialising with those of a similar mindset and interest and enjoy working positively with those people to manifest goals.

We are strong, yes, but we are stronger together!

Let’s learn from each other, grow with each other and most importantly be happy for each other!

I am honoured and grateful to you all for taking the time out to read My Journey. I greatly appreciate you.

God Bless, Peace and Love.

Sesi