Tollington boy with Down syndrome to be featured at National Portrait Gallery 

A five-year-old footballer with Down syndrome will be featured in the National Portrait Gallery after his photo became a finalist for a prestigious photo prize.  

Tollington native Nile Boateng plays for North London United, a football club for young people with Down syndrome. He was photographed by London-based photographer Rory Langdon-Down, the great-great grandson of the physician who first coined the genetic disorder’s term in 1862. 

“I’m just so proud,” said Nile’s mother, Ragina Boateng. “He’s shown what is possible.” 

Mr Langdon-Down captured Nile’s portrait in a four-hour-long photoshoot using a Mamiya RB67 medium-format camera. The photo is part of a wider series documenting the North London United team. 

“Five-year-olds don’t always have the best attention span,” Mr Langdon-Down said. “But Nile was amazing.” 

Niles’ portrait will be on display at The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 13 November 2025 to 8 February 2026. 

North London United is run by Krome21, a community initiative that works in partnership with Arsenal Football Club to deliver inclusive football sessions and opportunities for young players.

Chaya Nathan

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