Premier League Inspires
Tackling persistent absence and building belonging through Premier League Inspires
Premier League Inspires is a high-impact personal development programme, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation, designed for students ages 11-18 who are at risk of not reaching their potential.
We offer a distinctive, mentor-led presence in the school environment, using the Nottingham Forest and Premier League brand to build trust where traditional methods may have stalled.
Premier League Inspires empowers participants to develop personal, social, employability and life skills, through a series of regular face-to-face group sessions, mentoring, workshops and social-action projects, providing pupils with the help they need now and supporting them to plan for their future.
About the programme
Targeted Mentoring & Wellbeing
We move beyond the classroom to provide intensive, one-to-one or small-group support.
- Qualified Mentors: Our staff are not just coaches, they are mentors trained to build resilient, trusting relationships with students facing barriers to learning.
- Confidence & Resilience: Workshops focused on emotional regulation and “failing well” – using professional athletes’ stories to normalise setbacks and build self-esteem.
- Inclusive Engagement: Specialised support for students within SEND or Alternative Provision settings, ensuring every learner feels connected to the school community.
Careers & Employability
We bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work.
- The Business of Football: Targeted workshops exploring non-playing roles, from Sports Science and Data Analysis to Marketing, Stadium Operations, and Community Coaching.
- Raising Aspirations: Introducing students to diverse career pathways within the sports industry, helping them visualise a future beyond their current challenges.
Social Action & Leadership – Premier League Inspires Challenge
We empower students to take ownership of their environment, developing essential employability skills.
- Student-Led Projects: Pupils identify a social issue (e.g. Mental Health, Sustainability, or Anti-Bullying) and design a solution to implement within their school or local area.
- Pitching for Change: Students gain public speaking confidence by pitching their ideas to a panel at The City Ground, with the chance to represent Nottingham Forest at national Premier League events.
What can your school expect?
Qualified Professional Mentoring
Collapsed Curriculum Days at The City Ground
Football Tournaments
Youth Social Action
Premier League Changemakers
Focused Curriculum
Getting to know you sessions
Our Successes
HOW INNOVATION IS DRIVING ENGAGEMENT AT REDHILL ACADEMY
The Redhill Academy Trust has significantly increased student engagement and attendance through a strategic focus on innovative enrichment activities and professional partnerships, particularly with the Nottingham Forest Community Trust.
By expanding their curriculum to include non-traditional sports such as handball, rowing, and boccia – alongside activities like chess – the Trust has seen a measurable boost in school attendance, especially among disadvantaged pupils. Data shows that students participating in these co-curricular sessions maintain higher overall attendance rates, with the gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged students narrowing by 3%.
This initiative, supported by the appointment of dedicated co-curricular coordinators and elite mentoring from football club partnerships, aims to build resilience, character, and a sense of belonging within the student body.
2026/27 Academic Year
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR 2026/27 ACADEMIC PLANS
Nottingham Forest Community Trust works with schools across Nottinghamshire to deliver exciting, high-quality programmes that combine education with the power of football. Whether you’re looking to boost confidence, improve wellbeing or enhance learning, our experienced team is here to help.
If you would like to learn more about our Premier League Inspires programme, contact Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Schools Manager, Jordan Ferrer on jordan.ferrer@nottinghamforest.co.uk.
