News & Events

George Pulham’s journey with Southend United Community Foundation is a shining example of how football can transform lives and create meaningful career pathways.

George first engaged with the Foundation at the age of 14, attending our Premier League Kicks sessions at Eversley Leisure Centre. From day one, it was clear George possessed great qualities both on and off the pitch. His maturity, leadership and ability quickly stood out, and he was soon selected to represent Southend United in the PL Kicks National Competition, where he impressed with his performances and professionalism.

Recognising his potential, we encouraged George to join our Post-16 Education Programme, which he began at age 16. Within his first year, George made remarkable progress, excelling both academically and on the pitch. His consistent development led to training opportunities with the Southend United Youth Team, and he even made a First Team appearance during pre-season, showcasing his talent at a higher level.

George’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and he was soon rewarded with a place in the Youth Team, eventually becoming Vice-Captain in his second year, a testament to his leadership and resilience. Though he narrowly missed out on a professional playing contract, his journey was far from over.

Recognising his outstanding character, work ethic and passion for football, we offered George a full-time position within the Community Foundation. In August 2025, George officially joined the team as a Full-Time Coach, bringing with him the same energy, commitment, and values that have defined his journey.

Dan King, Operations Manager, said:

“George is an exceptional individual whose character, work ethic, and passion makes him an ideal addition to the Community Foundation. We are confident that his transition into a full-time coaching role will be seamless, and his presence will have a positive impact on the quality and energy of our programmes.”

Andy Edmunds, Head of Education, added:

“Witnessing George’s development, from a young participant at Premier League Kicks to now a full-time staff member, has been incredibly rewarding. His journey expresses the Foundation’s core mission which is to support and empower young people to realise their full potential, both on and off the pitch.”

George’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact our programmes can have. We’re proud to have played a part in his journey and even prouder to now call him a colleague.