Beyond the Game, a tribute to Burgess Sports and the Aylesbury Community
In 1977, the Aylesbury Estate opened its doors to its first residents, heralded as a promising model for urban living and community development in South London. Designed with open corridors, or “streets in the sky,” the estate’s architectural layout was intended to foster a sense of community, providing space for social interaction and cohesion. This initial vision, however, gradually shifted as the estate became associated with urban challenges. In a pivotal moment in 1997, former Prime Minister Tony Blair delivered an inaugural speech from the Aylesbury, casting it as emblematic of the nation’s social and structural issues and labelling it “hell’s waiting room.” This narrative of urban blight has since overshadowed the realities of the people who live there, perpetuating a stigmatised image of the Aylesbury Estate that overlooks the vitality and resilience of its community.
This project, Beyond the Game, aims to counter this prevailing narrative by documenting the everyday lives and experiences of Aylesbury’s community. In collaboration with Burgess Sports, a local charity established in 2011, this work highlights the agency of young people within the estate and the role of community-led initiatives in fostering social cohesion, resilience, and personal development. Through sports and holistic support programmes, Burgess Sports offers a critical resource within the community, creating a safe, supportive environment for local children. The charity’s initiatives—ranging from its holiday multisport camps to family support programmes like “Kids in the Kitchen”—not only meet immediate recreational and nutritional needs but also serve as a conduit for broader socio-emotional support and community empowerment.
This photographic documentation captures Aylesbury’s community in a way that moves beyond media stereotypes, presenting a nuanced perspective on the impact of community engagement. For me, Beyond the Game isn’t just a project; it’s a continuing journey to document the work of Burgess Sports and capture the stories of the people who bring it to life. Having observed the development of Burgess Sports from its early years, I have witnessed firsthand the charity’s evolving role within the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Burgess Sports adapted to the needs of the residents, organising and facilitating essential food deliveries to support families. This experience underscored the charity’s dedication to fostering resilience and promoting unity among the community.
In presenting this book, I aim to create a visual archive that challenges the reductive narratives often associated with the Aylesbury Estate. This series seeks to not only highlight the impact of Burgess Sports but also to celebrate the resilience, solidarity and optimism that characterises this community.