Tottenham Hotspur Foundation brought together leading sports brands and local young people at its first sports business careers fair today.
Jobs fairs form part of the Club’s ongoing efforts to drive employment opportunities locally, with 3,700 full-time jobs supported by the Stadium every year across Haringey, Enfield and Waltham Forest, including 2,800 of those in Haringey.
The event was sponsored by iWorkinSport and formed part of the Foundation’s Level Up Network, with 170 young people between the ages 16-24 passing through the doors of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They were treated to a welcome from former Spurs defender Sebastien Bassong, keynote talk by Nike Club & Federation Business Director Bonnie Zeihlund, as well as a panel discussion with experts in sports science, sports media, sports recruitment and sports coaching.
There was also a series of interactive workshops run by representatives of the Club, FA, LinkedIn and more, whilst sports universities like UFCB and Loughborough, along with other brands including the Premier League, London Sport, the Lawn Tennis Association and Footballco, shared opportunities in an exhibitor zone.
In addition, participants were able to have a 15-minute ‘speed mentoring chat’ with a sports professional.
The event was hosted by Foundation interns Ali Sakinsel and Joshua Hills.
Ali, 22, has benefited from various Foundation initiatives, including its Level Up Network supported by the Mayor of London, a programme for young people to develop their employability and life skills through group workshops, one-to-one mentoring and more.
Ali said: “It has been an incredible journey for me, from taking part in programmes like Level Up Network and Start Something, to now working with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and having the opportunity to host this incredible event. The support has been amazing.”
Samuel Foster, who as a teenager joined Premier League Kicks sessions run by Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, attended the careers fair with the Premier League, where he has since progressed to a full-time role. He hoped to inspire others who were on a similar journey:
“The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation gave me the opportunity to see a pathway to the next stage of my life. It wasn’t just the football; it was everything around it - supporting those within underrepresented groups, and in underrepresented areas, and aiming to increase social mobility. That is the message we hope to share today.”
Young people in attendance spoke of the importance of being able to access representatives from top sporting organisations.
Aaron, 17, said: “I came today hoping to find a role into football coaching, but having spoken to the Premier League and Nike it has opened my eyes to so many other roles that are available.”
Olive, 16, takes part in sessions run by our Foundation through the Huddle Project, a joint-funded programme with the NFL and Nike to provide free sporting activity to young people in Tottenham. She added: “I am hoping to get more insight into a career path across sport, business and finance, so the event today has been very useful.”
Damian Zabielski, Foundation Youth, Employment and Skills Manager, said: “This has been a momentous day, a truly incredible opportunity for young people on the doorstep of the Stadium to broaden their horizons within the world of sport.
“The fair, as part of our Level Up Network, supports our wider work to inspire, empower and create pathways into employment for residents in and around Tottenham.
“A big thank you to iWorkinSport, the Mayor of London, People’s Postcode Lottery and the Club, of course, as we can’t run these opportunities without support from our partners and sponsors.”
Joao Frigerio, founder and CEO of iWorkinSport, said: “We’re proud to support Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and sponsor this careers fair – an event that embodies our shared mission to open doors and create pathways in sport. Our commitment is twofold: to empower young people passionate about sport to achieve their career aspirations and to help organisations discover and attract outstanding talent.”
Young people who would like to join the Level Up Network can do so here.
Professionals interested in becoming a mentor can register their interest here.
To find out more about the programme email deji.olodude@tottenhamhotspur.com.