If you’ve been the owner of a Netflix account in the last 5 years, the chances are that you’ve seen ’Last Chance U’ pop up on your browser.

If you're into sports documentaries – or high-action drama more generally – it's absolutely essential viewing. 'Last Chance U' is straight up one of the best shows of recent years, following the drama involved in American community College Football and an extraordinarily talented group of players that come from a variety of tough backgrounds and sometimes troubled upbringings.

Tower Hamlets FC are the 'Last Chance U' of London grassroots football. The club are part of the bedrock of Tower Hamlets and an integral part keeping the borough’s ballers on the right path, having provided talented players a second chance at getting back into the game following setbacks in their career. Whether it be getting released or getting players back up to scratch from career-threatening injuries, the club have got an incredible track record of turning temporary setbacks into big-time comebacks.

The club face ongoing challenges with the gruelling situation brought about by Covid-19 and lack of grass roots funding – but that hasn't stopped them from soldiering on with their essential work in the community; educating kids, training them as coaches and even brokering deals with pro clubs. The area's talent is immense, and the role the club play in helping it flourish is one of the most slept on success stories within London community football.

One of the club’s biggest talents and success stories is Deese Kasinga. Kasinga grew up in the Custom House area of Newham, East London - a place he’s labelled ”a living warzone” – on his way up the ranks as a player, where his ambitions for turning pro have been tested to the limit despite his gutsy mentality and undeniable talent.

His dreams came true when he playing full games soon after moving to Newcastle on a two-year scholar contract. But two bad injuries in quick succession hampered his progress. The second, caused by a bad tackle in training, resulted in a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a fractured bone.

But despite the setback, Tower Hamlets gaffer Jamil Nadmi has been helping Deese and other boys from the borough hit the heights they've been dreaming of since they were kids. The polar opposite of some of the ego-driven coaches on 'Last Chance U', Jamil is seen as an “uncle” for many at the club with a 16-year-long affinity with the game. Jamil has an understanding of the backdrop to the team from his own time in the prison – and under his acutely-focussed mentorship, players like Deese have been guided back to fulfilling their potential in the game in East London.

A new film, 'Made on the Concrete', produced by Joseph Radonich and directed by Hector Aponysus, delves into the story of Kasigna’s road to recovery at Tower Hamlets and provides a beautiful insight into how the club have been able to produce through this kind of adversity.

Ahead of premiering 'Made on the Concrete', VERSUS caught up with Deese Kasigna on plotting his comeback, the inspirational role of Tower Hamlets FC and what his next steps are in taking his game to the next level.

You're one of thousands of players across the country to have had knock backs at a club following  your release. Do you think more needs to be done by clubs – and the system in general – in terms of helping players who have been released?  

It’s important that football clubs understand and realise that we're not only aspiring to be footballers – at the end of the day we're humans first. If clubs feel like they don’t want a player, or if a player just isn't for them, it’s best to let them know early on so the player has the best chance to go elsewhere and give himself the best possible chance to succeed.

Players can start to lose focus on what’s important – such as performances – because you're just not aware of what’s going to happen. It will always play on your mind... and that's not healthy – it's the sort of thing that leads players to lose focus and lose confidence. Football clubs need to realise that when you're on edge, not knowing what’s happening, that can cause a serious mental stress.

Do you think it's a systemic failure of the game to not ensure support for players like yourself?

I wouldn’t say systemic failure, but it’s important that players get the best possible support. Whether that’s help getting to another club or providing trials which will then allow the player to prepare himself for his next chapter in the game, that's something that Tower Hamlets do properly, they're really considered with it.

How motivational was THFC boss Jamil in getting you to turn your perspective on the game around following your release from Newcastle?

When I got released, I was heartbroken. It's just not a nice feeling to be let go by a football club. Jamil was there for me from when I was going through those tough times and help me through them. During the process, Jamil was like a mentor to me... he took me on and made sure I stayed on the right track, which is what I really needed at the time.

We had several conversations and several meetings that really connected with me. He told me things were going to be okay, and one day it will all work out. Every day, he would tell me “you only get out what you put in”. Hearing that, I just said to myself if I put 100% effort into my training, and do everything with honesty, then it will pay off.

Jamil would always find a way to trigger me in a positive way so that I can go the extra mile. He made me realise that being released can turn out to be one of the best things that can happen to you. I learned that just because it doesn't work at one club, it does not necessarily mean it won’t work at another. For me, the most important part was being able to understand the importance of life through the club – and appreciating that hard work will eventually pay off.

What was the driving force that really motivated you to get back into loving the game once again?

Tower Hamlets Football Club. That club felt like home to me. When I started playing for THFC I realised how much I loved the game! I would go to training and matches with a smile on my face knowing that if I can do it at Step 5, I can do it at any level.

I really enjoyed playing – and most importantly winning. Finding solutions and ways to win during games really brought the best out of me, because there really is no better feeling than winning. When you have to fight for 3 points, you will do whatever it takes – especially for Tower Hamlets. Being around new people, making new friends and learning each other at the club was amazing because you always want to help one another and improve together – it's a family there.

How important has THFC been for yourself and other players around you in getting back to the levels  you want to hit in the game?  

THFC has been very important for me and the rest of the boys. As a young aspiring footballer, it’s important to play men’s football – being given that opportunity itself is a blessing.

Going out there, winning your battle, fighting for 3 points, putting your life on the line to win... there’s no better way to experience football because it’s just really real. Being at THFC also made me and others realise how important football means. It’s not only about what comes with the game – it’s the love and passion of pushing each other everyday to get better and stronger together. When match day comes, everyone knows their roles and responsibilities ready to go and win.

Is there something special about the club and it's set up that feels different to you?

The number one thing I'd say about THFC is that it’s a family club. Once you're family, the bond is unbreakable. That's just special to me, because when you are connected like that you can go anywhere knowing that you will be hard to face as a unit. For me, that’s the most special thing because once the whole group has their focus and energy all in one vision, the rest will follow. The success will come in due time because hard work and winning never goes unnoticed.  

What are your next steps as a player?

I need to keep pushing myself to the limit and preparing myself for my next opportunity so that I ensure I am ready. Also for me, it’s important I go and play the professional men’s game and start making a name for myself in the football industry. Apart from that, staying focussed on the next task, taking day by day pushing myself doing everything in my powers to make sure I’m 100% ready to go for anything the future holds.