How Football and the Premier League Inspire the Next Generation of Players and Fans

How Football and the Premier League Inspire the Next Generation of Players and Fans

November 26, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

Premier League Inspires: Helping Young People Succeed

The Premier League has engaged with secondary school students for five years through a personal development program called Premier League Inspires. This program targets young people aged 11-18 who may not reach their full potential.

Participants attend group sessions, mentoring, workshops, and social action projects. These activities help them develop personal, social, employability, and life skills, preparing them for the transition from school to adulthood. Supported by the Professional Footballers’ Association, the program is present in 45 football club charities across England and Wales, benefiting over 29,000 young people.

Success Stories

Evan, a student from Compass School in Southampton, shares his journey. He joined Premier League Inspires through Southampton FC’s Saints Foundation. He participated in a project focused on mental health and presented his team’s ideas at Wembley Stadium. Evan stated, “Considering where I was two years ago, I would not think that I would end up at Wembley Stadium with a school, representing Southampton. This has showed me what I can achieve.”

Zahra, another participant, engaged with Bolton Wanderers in the Community. She struggled with focus and behavior in school. Zahra explained, “I didn’t really care about education, I’d misbehave. The program made me feel like I had a sense of belonging. I felt more confident.”

Community Impact

Premier League Inspires has involved over 960 secondary schools. The program will support the Youth Guarantee, a government initiative focused on helping young people find education or employment. Clare Sumner, Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer, remarked, “The Premier League will contribute to the Youth Guarantee by using the power of football to engage young people who need the greatest support.”

Since its launch, over £11.1 million has been invested into the program via the Premier League Charitable Fund. The Premier League aims to continue expanding this initiative, helping young people find paths to success.