Positivity, confidence and resilience were among adjectives used by students to describe their time taking part, as the latest cohort visited Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to celebrate their involvement.
The Foundation has been delivering Premier League Inspires across local secondary schools since it launched in 2019. Students take part in regular face-to-face group sessions and mentoring, before being treated to a day of workshops at the Stadium, including a tour and a Q&A session with special guests.
This time round, students heard from Academy players Jamel Beggs, Farren Doran, Eloise Summers-Mee and Grace Bellwood. They also took part in a social media and digital wellbeing session based on lessons from elite sport, delivered by B5 Consultancy, and a first aid session by Direct Action Training.
Joining the group as an example of how the programme continues to influence development were previous participants Havin, 15, from Mulberry Academy Woodside, and Anastasia, 14, from Heron Hall Academy.
Havin said: “Premier League Inspires was absolutely amazing for me. I learnt a lot from it to take into sports and daily life, including how to be more dedicated and disciplined. I also met a lot of new people through the programme, and it’s opened doors.
“For example, I took part in Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge, using the communication skills and confidence I developed.
“With the school being in the area, when the Foundation comes in it shows they care about the community and teaching us all these things we wouldn’t learn in a classroom.
“I did the programme when I was in Year 8 and, I’d say, less mature. The staff were incredible, so open, listening to and understanding you. If you’re struggling in school, they show every route and different pathways you can take.
“When you visit the Stadium at the end, it’s a big stage and the activities help you see how far you’ve come, and how what you’ve learnt actually helps.”
Anastasia said: “The programme allows you to talk about your feelings, maybe why you think or act a certain way. You’re not under pressure. It’s with people who are really positive and actually care about you, even if they’ve not known you that long.
“I used to be really shy about myself. Now, after taking part, I’m more able to express myself and feel confident.
“With the programme being Premier League Inspires, you think it’s just about football, but once you’re deep into it, it’s more about you expressing yourself and how you’re feeling. It’s really good.”
Myri Demetriou, Foundation project coordinator who leads on delivery of Premier League Inspires, said: “Reaching 1,000 young people is an important milestone, but what matters most is the journey they go on. Students grow in confidence, build resilience and develop life skills, and we’re proud to see them take those qualities into school, their communities and beyond.”