Tower Hamlets FC are the 'Last Chance U' of London grassroots football. The club are part of the bedrock of Tower Hamlets and an integral part keeping the borough’s ballers off the streets, having provided talented players a second chance at getting back into the game following setbacks in their career. Whether it be getting released or getting players back up to scratch from career-threatening injuries, the club have got an incredible track record of turning temporary setbacks into big-time comebacks.
One of the club’s biggest talents and success stories is Deese Kasinga. Kasinga grew up in the Custom House area of Newham, East London - a place he’s labelled ”a living warzone” - on his way up the ranks as a player, where his ambitions for turning pro have been tested to the limit despite his gutsy mentality and undeniable talent.
His dreams came true when he playing full games soon after moving to Newcastle on a two-year scholar contract. But two bad injuries in quick succession hampered his progress. The second, caused by a bad tackle in training, resulted in a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a fractured bone.
But despite the setback, Tower Hamlets gaffer Jamil Nadmi has been helping Deese and other boys from the borough hit the heights they've been dreaming of since they were kids. The polar opposite of some of the ego-driven coaches on 'Last Chance U', Jamil is seen as an “uncle” for many at the club with a 16-year-long affinity with the game.
We’re lucky enough to premiere a powerful new short film, 'Made on the Concrete’, which delves into the story of Kasigna’s road to recovery at Tower Hamlets, which provides a beautiful insight into how the club have been able to produce through this kind of adversity.
Director & Photographer: Hector Aponysus @hector_aponysus
Producer: Joseph Radonich @josephvradonich
DOP: Joe Gainsborough @gainsborg
2nd Unit DOP: Andrei Pacuraru @andreipacuraru.dop
2nd Unit Camera Op: Reece Darlington Delaire @reece_darlington_delaire
Drone Operator: @stem.studios
1st AD: Will Parnell
PA / BTS: Monique Henry
PA: Akon Deng
Editor: Hector Aponysus
Colourist: John O’Riordan @_johngrades_ @pundersonsgardens
Score: @helicalsound
Special thanks:
@deesekasinga
@jamil_jamal_nazmi
@towerhamletsfc
@pundersonsgardens