Sky Documentaries explores next generation of football superstars in Chasing the Dream

Sky has announced a new original docuseries ‘Chasing the Dream’, which follows promising young football players from South London in their fledgeling sporting careers.

Produced by indie company Expectation, in association with Sky Studios, the four 60-minutes episodes will air on Sky Documentaries and Now TV in 2022.

Filmed over the course of 18 months, Chasing the Dream follows young players as they battle the odds in fenced-in, artificial pitches known as “the cages”, that occupy unlikely corners of towering council estates. The stakes are high as young players use their talent in the hope of securing a better life for themselves and for their families.

Alongside the players, the series centres on the voices of pivotal influences in the tight-knit world of South London football. From the scouts, agents and coaches who nurture talent, to the players’ families and those who stand shoulder to shoulder on the pitch.

It was commissioned by Zai Bennett, managing director of content, and Poppy Dixon, director of documentaries and factual.

Dixon commented: “We’re so proud to be able to share the powerful stories of these young players from South London along with the voices of their families and those nurturing their talent. Audiences will experience the heart-warming and dramatic journeys of these footballers, daring to change theirs and their families’ lives through the beautiful game. Chasing the Dream will join a host of compelling, must-see documentaries from award-winning film makers on Sky Documentaries.”

Colin Barr, creative director, factual & factual drama at Expectation, added: “South London is known as ‘the concrete Catalonia’ for a reason and it’s amazing to get the chance to tell the stories of young players trying to hit the big leagues. We’ll witness the wins and the losses, the joy and the heartache. It’s the side of football we never see and we can’t wait to bring audiences this gripping series.”

Sky Documentaries, Sky Nature and the rebranded Sky History joined Sky Crime this May as the home of documentaries for all Sky and Now TV customers at no extra cost.