Efe Obada

Efe Obada is a rare combination: a Londoner and an NFL star. He grew up in foster care calling London’s youth clubs his home. That’s why he couldn’t be a more perfect champion for London Youth, a charity on a mission to support and strengthen London’s youth organisations so young people have the opportunities and skills they need to succeed. Over just a year as an Ambassador for the charity, Efe – who is based in the US – has given so much time to London Youth, including visiting several of its member clubs. During one of these visits, he met a young artist, Maye, and commissioned a piece of art that triggered a series of events that changed Maye’s life. She is now taking design commissions as the founder of her own business, having gained the confidence to develop herself as an artist thanks to Efe’s belief in her talent. Maye said: “[Efe is] the first person I’ve ever shown my art to, and now I’ve had other commissions. It’s been a chain of events that wouldn’t have happened without him. Efe is an NFL star, but he still wants me to have my star moment.”