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On Sunday, local football teams gathered Festival of Football, which brought together players from Mansfield Town Community Trust, Derby County Community Trust, and Evolve Nottingham CIC for an exciting Under-14s tournament. The day, however, was about more than just the competition. The event, held as part of the Premier League Kicks programme, also featured two impactful workshops designed to provide education and create community spirit.

In the first workshop, Street Doctors delivered life-saving first aid training, teaching the young athletes crucial skills such as how to respond in emergencies and stop a bleed. This practical training is aimed at empowering the players to react confidently in situations where immediate medical action may be necessary.

The second workshop saw the teams set aside their rivalries to work together on a collective piece of artwork. The collaborative art project served as a celebration of the Premier League Kicks programme, which aims to inspire positive change in communities through the power of football.

Stefan Furgala, Community Engagement Coordinator at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said, “The Festival of Football is not just about competition, but also about teaching young people essential life skills and bringing them together through positive experiences. It’s fantastic to see so many young players engaged, learning, and growing both on and off the pitch.”

The festival was also aligned with the FA’s Play Safe campaign, which aims to raise awareness around safeguarding in football. By incorporating key safety and safeguarding elements into the day’s activities, the event underscored the importance of creating safe environments for young people to participate in sport, ensuring their well-being both on and off the pitch.

The event highlighted the importance of football as a tool for education, teamwork, and community building, while showcasing the impact of initiatives like Premier League Kicks in supporting local youth development.