The talent pool emerging from a densely populated strip of South London is extraordinary and over the years has included some of England’s top players: Jadon Sancho (Manchester United & England), Joe Gomez (Liverpool & England), Tammy Abraham (Roma & England) Aaron Wan Bissaka (Manchester Utd), Declan Rice (West Ham & England), Ademola Lookman (RB Leipzig), Ryan Sessegnon (Tottenham), Michail Antonio (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) & many more.
The series will explore the stories of these young stars who, in the last three years, have emerged from statistically underprivileged postcodes of South London – now globally recognised as one of the most productive areas for young footballing talent – to the bright lights of multi-billion-pound UEFA club competitions.
A central focus of the three-part narrative is the next generation of up-and-coming, ambitious and highly talented youngsters; teenagers from the same area, who look up to former and current professional players as role models, and who are just starting out on their own journeys, facing the same social challenges. Powerful contributions from key supporting cast (coaches who have helped change lives, talent scouts, community leaders, friends and family) will showcase the reality of life for these young people in South London
Emotional, authentic and inspiring, SOUTH OF THE RIVER balances raw documentary footage with compelling storytelling.