Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan says her childhood experiences growing up in a single-parent household have inspired her to support other families facing similar struggles.
The 30-year-old is one of 14 female footballers worldwide selected by FIFA to spearhead a new social impact programme. Buchanan’s chosen project focuses on creating opportunities for single mothers and their daughters to participate in football more easily.
“My mum is my rock,” Buchanan told BBC Sport as she reflected on her upbringing. “I grew up with six sisters and saw the hardships she faced raising seven girls alone. Football became my escape from reality.”
Buchanan described her family’s challenges, including living in government housing, relying on welfare support, and sometimes going without electricity or running water. Her mother, who migrated from Jamaica without higher education, struggled to find stable employment.
“Not many people from our area made it out in a good light,” she said. “Football kept me on a positive path. That’s why I want to help single mums—because I know what that life feels like.”
A Foundation to Level the Playing Field
Under the FIFA programme, each selected player receives $25,000 (£18,929) in seed funding, along with professional guidance and access to external investors.
Buchanan pitched her idea to a panel of experts—proposing a foundation that will support single mothers and their daughters by offering:
- Grants for transportation
- Assistance with registration fees
- Provision of kits
- Free tickets to Canada women’s national team matches and events
The foundation is expected to launch in January, with its first football camp scheduled for April.
Reflecting on her mother’s sacrifices, Buchanan added: “She hustled and did what she could. This project is my way of honouring her strength and helping others facing the same battles.”
