As part of the Premier League Inspires challenge, the West Ham United Foundation welcomed three cohorts of students from Jo Richardson Community School and the Bromfords School to the West Ham United Academy at Chadwell Heath to present their social action project.
Delivered in partner schools across East London and Essex, the Foundation’s PL Inspires programme uses the power of football to equip secondary school students with the necessary tools and attitudes for success in education and employment. Through one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and participation in the Premier League Inspires Challenge, students are encouraged to engage in social action and volunteering within their communities.
Hosted annually, the competition encourages students to consider some of the biggest issues facing their football club and community by exploring creative solutions in order to overcome them.
With the 2023/24 campaign aligning with the Premier League's Inside Matters campaign, mental health took centre stage in this year's challenge. Participants were tasked with proposing social action projects aimed at fostering mentally healthy environments within their football clubs, schools and their local community.
Three standout proposals were selected for presentation before a distinguished panel comprising Academy scholars Josh Briggs and Finlay Herrick, and West Ham United staff, including Academy Manager Kenny Brown and Abbie Thomson from the Communications Department.
“I think the groups did an excellent job delivering their presentations,” said Brown. “They were all very informative and you could tell a lot of preparation had gone into them.”
As Academy Manager, Brown is familiar with the intricacies of managing mental health challenges and was therefore particularly receptive to the proposals put forth by the students.
“Mental health is a massive aspect in terms of managing an Academy,” he added. “At Chadwell Heath, we have a player care, psychology, education, and safeguarding departments. This is not just a football club or an environment to produce footballers. We are very mindful that we have a responsibility to develop well-rounded, young people.”
Although all groups were creative in their approach to fostering a more inclusive mental health culture, it was the students of Jo Richardson who most impressed the panel with their ‘Mental Health week’ project.
The proposal consisted of dedicating each day of a working week to a unique way in which people can talk openly about how they feel without fear of judgement and know how to get support if they need it.
“It’s a topic that is becoming way more addressed nowadays and we’re hoping this project can help spread that awareness even further and improve the lives of young people,” said Tanzir, a student from the winning group.
The students from Jo Richardson, will get the chance to present their project to peers from across the country and staff members from the Premier League in April, at the Emirates Stadium.
“I’ve never been to a Premier League stadium so I’m so excited to present our project at one; we put so much work into it!” exclaimed Alisha.
Commenting on the significance of the students’ project in an elite sport environment, Brown concluded: “Mental health is massive in sport. The message from the PL Inspires challenge this year of ‘it’s ok to not be ok’ is something that resonates with us. There are people there to listen, to help you and give guidance. Academy settings are high-pressure environments and we need to find that balance in terms of making it enjoyable. We understand that there are so many things that can affect that, predominantly outside of here. Our job is to make sure that when they do come here, it’s a safe environment where they can express themselves.
“I think the winning group tackled the topic in a mature way and proposed some very practical ideas which I could definitely envisage working, not just in an educational environment, but also in a professional setting. I wish them the best of luck at their next presentation in April!”
