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27 young participants from our Forest Futures programme, including refugees, took part in a transformative residential trip to Edale as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. This experience, delivered by Evolve, provided an incredible opportunity for personal growth, adventure, and community building.

The trip was a key element of Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Forest Futures programme, which aims to empower young people, through outdoor education and leadership experiences. Among the participants were refugees from Sudan, who played a vital role in the trip by setting an excellent example for younger attendees, showcasing their leadership skills, and fully immersing themselves in the activities.

Throughout the three-day excursion, the participants engaged in a variety of outdoor challenges designed to enhance teamwork, resilience, and confidence. The activities included:

• Team Building Games – Encouraging collaboration and problem-solving.
• Night Hike – Experiencing the countryside and building navigational skills.
• Abseiling – Overcoming fears and embracing adventure.
• Caving – Exploring underground networks and learning about the environment.
• Archery – Developing focus and precision.
• Crate Building – Enhancing teamwork and engineering skills.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was the final night’s bonfire, where participants came together to enjoy music and dancing. A highlight of the evening was when Sudanese music played, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that celebrated cultural diversity.

Adam Mansouri, a recent recipient of the Premier League Community Captain award for his outstanding community work, reflected on the trip’s significance:

“I think the trip was a very good experience for them on many levels.

“They saw the English countryside, interacted with younger children, and took part in activities they had never done before.

“All the group enjoyed having them there with us. I was very proud of them—they didn’t really know what the trip was going to be like, but they gave 100% in everything. The guides and staff at Edale and Evolve all had great things to say about them.”

Arron Cuttriss, Mentoring Manager at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, also shared his thoughts on the event:

“This residential was a fantastic opportunity for the young people involved, giving them a chance to challenge themselves in a new environment while building relationships and developing key life skills.

“Working alongside Adam and Evolve has been instrumental in ensuring the success of this programme, and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact it has had on the participants. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved truly highlight the power of outdoor education and mentorship in transforming lives.”

Forest Futures continues to provide life-changing opportunities, and this residential was a shining example of how outdoor experiences can develop personal growth, leadership, and integration within the community.

The Forest Futures Programme is an innovative initiative aimed at transforming the lives of young individuals between the ages of 14 and 25. This unique programme is funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF), the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Partnership (NNVRP).