ABOUT EFFORT OVER ENVIRONMENT

Effort Over Environment (EOE) is a social enterprise dedicated to helping minority and inner-city girls aged 8-22 break through the grass ceiling—the unseen barriers that limit their access to careers in the football industry.

EOE’s work focuses on:

  • Showcasing talent and untold stories through media, including YouTube content and a planned docuseries.

  • Engaging young people through EOE for Schools, which delivers career-focused speaking engagements and workshops in educational institutions.

  • Inspiring the next generation by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and products (like grip socks) that align with the brand’s message of effort leading to new opportunities.

EOE isn’t a football coaching program—it’s an industry-focused collective that provides education, exposure, and inspiration, ensuring that talented young girls don’t just get a seat at the table but a voice in the conversation.

meet the founder

Born in 2005, Esther Elias grew up playing football in South-East London.

At the age of 2, she suffered a tragic injury that later required a tibial alignment operation at 15. As one of 2 Black players in her U14 team, she often trained two age groups above, where the squad was predominantly Black. Unable to trial for academies due to living outside of catchment areas, she instead focused on developing her skills in other ways.

While wheelchair-bound for months after her operation aged 15, Esther completed her Level 1 Coaching qualification and, determined to stay involved in the game, began coaching at her secondary school while on crutches.

At 16, she launched Effort Over Environment in October 2022. Serving as the youngest member of the London FA Inclusion Advisory Group during the 2023/24 season she also completed her UEFA C License and Level 2 in Talent Identification while balancing her A Levels. Now fully recovered, Esther continues to walk her path with resilience and purpose as an academy coach at Nottingham Forest.

words our community have used.

“Sisterhood”
“Reliable”
“Proud to be an EOE girlie”
“Family”
“Motivating”
“Inspirational”

GET INVOLVED

At Effort Over Environment, we believe that with effort, we can overcome any environment. If you’re passionate about creating an impact and ready to take the next step, join us in transforming dreams into reality.

We provide the support, qualifications, and community you need to succeed in this industry.