The Best Version Of Myself

Toni Bada, England

We have teamed up with the adidas Breaking Barriers Project to share the inspiring stories of 14 Champions across Europe as they advocate for women and girls in sport within their local communities. The second instalment of this series showcases eight Champions from Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK who are advocating for the next generation of women in sport. Toni Bada is an adidas Breaking Barriers Champion and a Youth & Community Coach for Street League in London.

Want to join us in breaking barriers for women and girls in Europe? Join the adidas Breaking Barriers Academy.

My name is Toni Bada and I am from Kent in the UK. I am the Youth & Community Coach for Street League in London where I have been working since early 2022. In my role, I help young people navigate employment, education, and training by coaching and mentoring through sport. I have always had a passion for sports and it has helped develop me into the person I am today. 

Through sport, I have been dedicated to being the best version of myself as a person and a sportswoman. It has helped me with discipline, focus, patience, and self-understanding. Sport has helped me centre my focus and not dwell on the negative experiences I may face in life.

What has your sports journey been like up until now?

From a young age, my passion for sports has been unwavering. Whether it was netball, hockey, football, or athletics, I was always eager to participate. My journey began in Year 7 when I joined the school football team (striker, of course), but it was in Year 8 where I discovered my true love for athletics and proudly represented Medway & Maidstone Athletics Club. It is worth noting that my enthusiasm was not without challenges. I attended an all-girls secondary school with limited sports facilities and equipment, which was in stark contrast to the neighbouring boys’ school.

Determined to overcome the limitations of our all-girls school sports facilities, I had to advocate vigorously and plead for our school to gain access to the sports facilities at the boys’ school.

Throughout my journey in sports, societal stereotypes often made me feel like participating was considered more suitable for boys because it was not “ladylike” to play sports. However, amidst these voices, I was fortunate to have an unwavering pillar of support in my mum. She never discouraged me and actively accompanied me to all my sporting events. Her encouragement and belief in my abilities pushed me to strive for excellence in sports.  

Why did you start working in your community? Why are you motivated to do the work that you do? Why do you think your work with girls is important?

In Kent, I did not have any representation of women from Black, Asian and Minority-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds who played sports. I am now that person that I wished I could have looked up to, inspiring young women and girls to pursue their sporting potential.

Once a week, I coach a free hour-long football session for a team of mixed-gender young people, who are predominantly ethnic minorities aged 16-24. This is a form of outreach to young people who face barriers such as criminal convictions, living in employment-deprived areas, and mental health issues. Our aims are to make sports more accessible for those who need it the most. Through understanding their struggles we can build essential connections that make the coaching relationship very effective. 

During these sessions, we engage in football drills and small matches. We also provide sports coaching at both Level 1 and Level 2 for young people to complete, empowering them with valuable coaching skills. The delivery of Level 1 and Level 2 coaching has significantly boosted the confidence of the young people who have taken part. I have observed them acquiring a wealth of coaching skills and techniques, which they now feel confident in using during their own coaching sessions.

Are there any stories connected with any of the individuals you photographed?

Running this Street Sports session every Monday, I noticed that the predominantly male participation sometimes discouraged girls from joining. However, I am motivated by Lorenda who bravely defied these norms and started attending Street Sports. She was often the only girl present. Her determination was fuelled by the fact that I was her coach, alongside my colleague William. Lorenda is an incredible source of inspiration and motivation for me every single day. Her resilience in the face of personal barriers is not short of amazing and moving. 

Despite the challenges she has encountered and continues to face, Lorenda has shown immense strength by opening up and being vulnerable with me. In our culture, it is often challenging for individuals to share their struggles or ask for help. What is even more heartwarming is that she makes me look cool in the eyes of the youth. Being a supportive pillar in her life means the world to me. I did not have that kind of support when I was growing up in my sporting journey, and I am grateful that I can be that person for Lorenda now. Together, we are breaking down barriers and showing that support and vulnerability are strengths to be celebrated.

As the weeks went by, we witnessed an incredible transformation in her confidence and football abilities. When girls and young women see coaches who look like them, it sends a powerful message that they too can aspire to lead, excel, and break barriers in the world of sport and beyond.

I am so grateful to my mentor Kimberlee Roberston for her continued support and guidance. Her mentorship has brought out the best in me, and I am deeply thankful for her constant encouragement. Knowing that she is always in my corner has made a world of difference in my journey. She is an exceptional mentor and friend. I am also deeply grateful to Sabina Yesmin and Mikah Arnold who have supported me on this journey and believed in me.

What did you try to capture with your photos? Was there a deeper meaning to the photos? What do these images mean to you as a Champion of the adidas Breaking Barriers Project?

In the photos are girls from the Street League programme, some of whom have not engaged in sports since primary school. My goal was to show that sports, like handball, are accessible to anyone, regardless of their previous experience, and to highlight their eagerness to play. The photos reflect the idea that with determination and opportunity, anyone can participate in sports and tap into their natural competitiveness.

I tried to capture young girls coming together in the spirit of teamwork. I wanted to highlight the importance of working as a team, demonstrating that together we can achieve the best possible outcomes and empower one another to succeed.

As an adidas Breaking Barriers Champion, my leadership journey has been deeply enriched by the workshops and networking opportunities I have had the privilege to be a part of during this project. The knowledge I have gained from these experiences has not only influenced my leadership, but has also made a positive impact on my personal life.

What is your favourite photograph? Why?

My favourite photograph is the one of the young girls participating in football drills. It displays an extraordinary level of focus and discipline, qualities that can sometimes be lacking in their lives due to them being at risk. 

The resilience and courage displayed by the girls I work with, who may have been sexually exploited or remain active in gangs, and yet turn to my sports sessions as a means of escape and healing, is truly remarkable. Their stories, particularly those of asylum seekers fleeing conflict-ridden countries, paint a vivid picture of the unimaginable trauma they have endured, including treacherous journeys with just a life jacket and a cherished photo of their families as their guiding light. Their strength in the face of adversity is inspirational and proof of their firm determination for a better future for themselves.

This photo proves the transformative power of providing the right opportunities and support to young girls and highlights their ability to channel their energy and potential towards becoming the best version of themselves. It is a great reminder of the impact positive influences can have on their lives.

Why is sport important for your community? Why is it important to you?

Sports play a vital role in my community, particularly for those who are at risk and often marginalised by society. Sports serve as a crucial incentive for positive change and have the remarkable ability to bring people from diverse backgrounds together. This fosters a sense of unity and friendship that goes beyond societal divisions.

Sports presents individuals with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, challenging them to push their boundaries, both physically and mentally. This can be a transformative experience, especially for those who may have faced adversity or exclusion. In essence, sports are not just games but powerful instruments for empowerment, social cohesion, and personal growth in my community.

What role does sport play in your community and your culture or society? What are some of the prevailing challenges for women and girls in your communities?

Growing up a woman of Nigerian descent, I encountered a recurring belief that sports were only to be played by boys. It was a widely held notion that participating in sports was masculine, and the idea of women who were equally passionate about sports was often met with disapproval.

Sports in my community serve as a bridge between cultures and create a sense of inclusion in the lives of young girls. In many of these communities, cultural norms have sometimes relegated sports to a predominantly male domain, deeming it “unfeminine” for girls to participate. However, by promoting sports accessibility and breaking these stereotypes, we allow young people to embrace sports as an important part of their lifestyle.  

What are the opportunities for women and girls to play sports in your community and in England?

In my opinion, while there have been some sporting opportunities for women and girls available, I believe there is still a shortage. Over recent times, I have noticed positive changes, with increased access to sports, but there remains significant room for improvement.  We should continue striving for equitable sporting opportunities to ensure that everyone can engage in and enjoy the benefits of sports fully.

What impact has the adidas Breaking Barriers Project had on your journey as a leader and change-maker in women’s sport? What are your ambitions for the future?

Being an adidas Breaking Barriers Champion has significantly impacted my leadership style and my perspective on women’s participation in sports. This initiative has elevated my awareness as I witness the resilience and determination of women overcoming obstacles. I have been inspired to be a more inclusive and empathetic leader as I work to break stereotypes and pave the way for more women to embrace their love for sports. 

I am proud to be a part of the change, proving that sports are for everyone, regardless of gender or cultural background. I want to show that women can excel and thrive in sports, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.  

My future ambitions are driven by a strong commitment to promoting gender equality in sports. I aspire to spearhead and expand women-led sports activities and create opportunities for girls and young women to progress as coaches and as leaders in their communities. Through mentorship programmes, I aim to motivate the next generation of coaches, providing them with the knowledge, skills and support they need to thrive.

What do you think the future looks like for sport in your community and England? What do you want to change? How would you improve gender equality?

I hope the future of sport in my community has a growing focus on youth development programmes to nurture talent from a young age, regardless of background. 

Changing the future of sports to improve gender equality requires a complex approach to provide equal opportunities and resources for girls and women in sports programmes, schools, and communities. Representation matters, and having more women coaches, referees and administrators in sports can inspire the next generation. 

The visibility of successful women in leadership roles breaks down stereotypes and encourages girls to pursue their sporting ambitions. Additionally, addressing pay disparities and providing equitable funding for women’s sports is important. This ensures that women athletes have the same financial support and recognition as the men. 

Lastly, challenging gender norms and stereotypes within sporting culture and celebrating the achievements of women will change perceptions and attitudes. By addressing these aspects, I believe that we can work towards a future where women’s sports are on an equal footing with men.