Young people promoting gender equality through the Premier League Inspires Challenge
Young people from Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWitC) have joined hundreds across England and Wales in this year’s Premier League Inspires Challenge, a nationwide initiative supported by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) that uses football to empower 11–18-year-olds through life skills, mentoring, and social action.
The Challenge is one element of the Premier League Inspires programme, which clubs run on a weekly basis to support 11–18-year-olds who may be at risk of not reaching their potential as they move through the education system and into early adulthood.
This season, young people have been tasked with tackling gender inequality in their communities. BWitC representatives came together to present their project ideas to a panel consisting of BWFC Women’s Team players Katie Holt and Maisy Mitchel, Joe Conway (BWitC’s PL Primary Stars Project Officer), Lisa Simpson (BWitC Education & Mentoring Manager), Richard Slater (BWitC Head of Community) and Hazel Trengrove (Data & Insight Executive, Premier League Charitable Fund). The winning team from Sharples High School developed a project to tackle the issue around the stigma of boys and young men feeling unable to be open with their emotions. They used the strap line: ‘Boys DON’T Cry!’ to draw attention to the stereotype that boys and young men shouldn’t cry and talk about their feelings and how it can have a negative impact on mental health in males.
After their discussions and research around this topic, the boys decided to create ‘Walk and Talk’ events. These walks will encourage groups of boys and young men within our local community to go on wellbeing walks together and allow them the opportunity to discuss mental health and stereotypes that men face in today’s society. All while promoting good mental health in conjunction with physical activity.
The group plan to launch their first ‘Walk and Talk’ during ‘Mental Health week’ in May. They are aiming to take groups of boys from across local Primary and Secondary schools to promote their theme of ‘Boys DON’T Cry!’ and discuss the impact it can have on mental health in boys and young men.
They will do this in a relaxed environment within the local community by walking up to the Pike in Rivington to promote how physical activity can also help with mental health as well as giving the groups attending the opportunity to talk openly to each other in a safe space.
Further plans also include numerous wellbeing ‘Walk and Talks’ throughout the next few months which will be opened up to the wider community by hosting walks such as a ‘Dads and Lads’ groups.
Gabriella Danby, BWitC Premier League Inspires Project Officer, reflected on the day: “We would like to congratulate the team for getting through to the Wembley Event and representing our charity. Events like these show how the power of our club and the Premier League can support conversations around Gender Equality and create a positive impact for young people across Bolton. The team should be proud of their achievement and their ability to present in front of 40 other teams and CCO staff members”
The BWitC Premier League Inspires Challenge team also explored the positive work BWFC and BWitC are already doing to tackle gender inequality, including Celebrating International Men’s and Women’s Day with workshops and tournaments.
Having received the highest number of votes in their heat, BWitC participants joined hundreds of young people at the Premier League Inspires Challenge celebration event at Wembley at the end of April. Here, they represented their project alongside more than 40 other clubs from across the Premier League and English Football League. Former Manchester City Women and lioness player Izzy Christiansen, as well as representatives from the PFA, were also in attendance to support and celebrate the young people’s achievements.
This Challenge builds upon the Premier League and Premier League Charitable Fund’s commitment to creating opportunities for all in communities across England and Wales.
Premier League Charitable Fund Interim Chief Executive, Alex White, said: “The Premier League Inspires Challenge gives young people the chance to collaborate on projects that create a positive difference in their community, by championing gender equality and promoting inclusive environments.
“Through taking part in the challenge, young people can build their confidence and gain skills in areas such as public speaking, project planning and teamwork.”
Launched in 2019, Premier League Inspires creates life-changing opportunities for young people who may be at risk of not reaching their potential to engage with activities, helping them to develop the personal skills and positive attitudes needed to succeed in life.
Using the power of football, the programme helps to prepare young people for further education and employment through a series of face-to-face mentoring sessions, workshops and social-action projects.
PFA Senior CSR and EDI Executive, Terry Angus, said: “At the PFA, we believe football has the power to inspire positive change, not just on the pitch, but in our communities. Through Premier League Inspires, young people are developing confidence, leadership and a sense of purpose. It’s fantastic to see our scholars engaging with the programme and working alongside young participants to tackle important issues like gender equality. These experiences stay with them for life and reflect the values we want the game to represent.”
This season, 45 football club charities across the Premier League and English Football League are delivering Premier League Inspires sessions at their stadiums, in local schools and at alternative educational settings, with partnership support from the PFA.
More than 30,000 young people from across England and Wales have received more than 130,000 hours of targeted support through the programme to date.