‘Coach H’ with players helped by Krome 21

“COACH H” – as football manager Harold Bennett is known across north London – has been running football club for Down syndrome children since back in 2013.

Another parent had asked him if he could run sessions for her son who has the genetic condition.

More than a decade later the organisation is thriving and having a lasting impact on a generation of children from across north London.

And now photographer of the young players are currently hanging in the National Portrait Gallery.

“The vision was always to be bigger,” said Mr Bennett, who lives in Holloway. “That’s why we went from being North London United as a project to then growing it into an organisation that has become Krome 21.”

After just one year he was approached by Arsenal FC, who offered a partnership and training in their community hub where young people could build confidence and friendships on and off the pitch.

“We’re the only sports programme in north London exclusively for people with Down syndrome, and the need for it has always been there.”

Down syndrome is a common genetic condition caused by an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21, leading to intellectual disability, characteristic facial features, and potential health issues like heart problems, often diagnosed at birth and managed with support, allowing individuals to live full lives.

As a parent of three – his middle daughter has Down syndrome – he had a first-hand experience of the importance that an inclusive space can provide for children and parents.

The Krome 21 programme is now used by several families from across Camden, Islington, Hackney and Haringey

The programme has seen the launch of North London United, initially with just eight children – and now more than 25 regular players.

The football team were recently photographed by Rory Langdon-Down, a relative of Dr John Langdon-Down, the physician who first identified the condition in the 19th century.

Two of the portraits taken by Mr Langdon-Down were shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize 2025 and now feature in the National Portrait Gallery until February 2026. One of the two portraits was of Nyella Bennett, Mr Bennett’s daughter.

“Being in a national gallery is great for raising awareness not just of Down syndrome but of what we’re doing here,” Mr Bennett said. “The exposure this brings is great, but it is the impact that these photos could make that I am most excited about.”

As Krome 21 grew, so did its ambition. The relationship with Arsenal FC has deepened further, with the club confirming support for the group’s annual fundraiser, “By Any Means Necessary”, which is confirmed for July 2026.

The event consists of volunteers completing 21 laps of Emirates Stadium to raise money for the organisation’s expanding work.

Mr Bennett has also set up a new programme for next year, supporting young people with work experience in education, local businesses and corporate settings.

“We want to go wider than sport,” he said. “Our young people don’t have the opportunities most of us do, Krome 21 is here to change that and to give them a place where they can thrive.”