Grassroots football has always been about more than just the ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s about passion, community, and stories that often mirror the struggles and triumphs of the professional game. Few players embody this better than Agoro Fuad, striker for Changing Lives FC, who scored a jaw-dropping 28 goals in just 17 matches in the Essex Alliance League Division Three. That’s 1.65 goals per game, a rate that would put even Erling Haaland on high alert.
This is the story of a player balancing the grit of construction work with the glory of grassroots football, and why his journey shines just as brightly as some of the Premier League’s biggest names.
From Construction Site to Centre Forward
When Fuad isn’t terrorising defenders, he’s clocking in hours on a construction site in Bishop’s Stortford, working as a banksman. That dual identity worker by day, striker by weekend — gives his story a grounded charm. He doesn’t train at elite facilities or have sports scientists fine-tuning his nutrition, yet he’s delivering numbers that rival the best strikers in the game.
Compare this with Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa, who, in the 24/25 Premier League season, has been lauded for his work rate and consistency. Watkins’ double-figure goals are impressive, but Fuad’s 28 in 17 is almost cartoonish in its efficiency. Both players share something crucial: an unrelenting commitment to improve themselves and push their teams to the next level.
A Season to Remember
Fuad’s 2023/24 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Not only was it his first full season at Changing Lives, but it also ended with him finishing as the division’s top scorer.
He describes it as a “fantastic season,” and while his modesty shines through, the numbers tell their own story. For context, if a Premier League striker matched Fuad’s goals-per-game ratio, they’d be on track for over 60 league goals in a single season unheard of since the days of Dixie Dean.
His favourite strike? A goal against one of the toughest opponents in the division. Like Cole Palmer’s late winners for Chelsea this season, Fuad thrives in high-pressure moments, producing when it matters most.
Building Bonds, Building Teams
One of the hallmarks of grassroots football is camaraderie. Fuad is quick to point out that while the season didn’t start perfectly, the bond within the squad grew stronger as the campaign progressed. By the end, Changing Lives FC were not just a team but a unit fighting for each other.
This mirrors what we’ve seen at Arsenal in the 24/25 season. Mikel Arteta’s men didn’t begin the year in blistering form, but the resilience of players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka has strengthened their title challenge. For Fuad and Changing Lives, that unity was equally important in helping him find his best form.
Motivation: Goals and Growth
Fuad’s motivation is simple: goals. Each one pushes him to aim higher, to keep driving forward. He promised his teammates he’d deliver — and he did. That type of responsibility is reminiscent of Son Heung-min at Tottenham, who, after Harry Kane’s departure, shouldered the attacking burden and consistently came up with goals.
Fuad’s hunger to “take the club to the next level” shows he isn’t just about personal glory. He’s about legacy — leaving something lasting behind for his club and teammates.
Looking Ahead: Bigger Challenges Await
Like any great striker, Fuad isn’t content to rest on his laurels. Looking ahead to the new season, he knows the challenges will grow: tougher opposition, new signings, and more pressure. Pre-season preparation is already underway, and with new players expected to join, Changing Lives FC look set for a campaign where expectations will be higher than ever.
It’s a situation that draws parallels with Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund, who after a steady debut season, now faces the challenge of proving himself as the club’s long-term number nine. Both Højlund and Fuad are preparing for that next big step, and the pressure will either break or sharpen them further.
Lessons for the Younger Self
Reflecting on his journey, Fuad admits he would have told his younger self to concentrate more on football. At times, he quit too soon, letting opportunities slip away. It’s a reminder of how many grassroots players’ careers are shaped by decisions made at critical ages.
But what makes his story inspiring is that he’s back, focused, and thriving. Much like James Ward-Prowse at West Ham, who left Southampton and quickly re-established himself as a midfield general, Fuad has rediscovered his fire and is proving doubters wrong.
Why Agoro Fuad’s Story Matters
In an era where Premier League superstars are worshipped globally, it’s easy to overlook the heroes playing on parks and community pitches. Yet the values Fuad represents resilience, hard work, humility, and determination — are the backbone of football itself.
When Erling Haaland smashes in hat-tricks at the Etihad, millions watch. But when Fuad bangs in another weekend brace on Hackney Marshes or a local ground in Essex, he inspires the next kid pulling on their boots in Division Three. That influence, though smaller in scale, is no less powerful.
Grassroots football is about changing lives — and fittingly, that’s the name of his club.
Final Word
Agoro Fuad isn’t just a top scorer; he’s a story of perseverance and possibility. Balancing the grind of construction work with the glory of grassroots football, he’s delivering numbers that even professional strikers would envy.
As the new season looms, fans of the Essex Alliance League will watch closely. Can Fuad replicate his record-breaking form? Can he push Changing Lives FC further up the football ladder? If his past season is anything to go by, the answer is yes.
For now, what we know is this: Agoro Fuad is the deadliest striker in Division Three, and his journey is proof that the beauty of football lies just as much in grassroots as it does under the floodlights of the Premier League.
