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Since 2022, Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT) has delivered Premier League Inspires, a programme designed to help young people develop key life skills, grow in confidence and make clearer decisions about their futures.

Now embedded in a number of Nottingham’s secondary schools, Premier League Inspires is creating meaningful improvements for pupils who benefit from mentor-led personalised support.

What Is Premier League Inspires?

Funded by the Premier League Foundation (formerly known as there Premier League Charitable Fund) Premier League Inspires is an education and personal development programme for young people aged 11 to 25 who may require additional guidance to meet their potential.

Working in partnership with schools, the programme provides structured activities that increase motivation, resilience, self-belief and decision-making skills.

At NFCT, pupils engage in group workshops, one-to-one mentoring, real world challenges and opportunities to visit the City Ground. These experiences are designed to build confidence that supports them both inside and outside the classroom.

The Importance of Mentoring

Mentoring is central to Premier League Inspires. Many young people face social pressures or barriers that affect attendance, engagement or confidence. Having a trusted adult who provides consistent support can make a significant difference to their development.

NFCT mentors offer a safe space for pupils to explore their goals, reflect on their behaviours and practise new strategies. Their role complements the work of teaching staff and allows young people to receive focused attention that is tailored to their individual needs.

Strong Partnerships with Nottingham Schools

NFCT has built strong and enduring relationships with secondary schools across Nottingham. These partnerships ensure that Inspires reflects the specific needs of pupils and aligns with each school’s pastoral and academic priorities.

Schools work closely with NFCT to identify pupils who will benefit most from additional support. Together they create plans that address academic, social and emotional needs. This collaborative model ensures that:

– Support remains consistent between school staff and NFCT mentors

– Barriers to engagement are recognised early

– Interventions reflect a pupil’s wider school environment

– Progress is monitored jointly

In many settings, NFCT mentors are viewed as valued members of the wider pastoral team. This strengthens communication, increases the speed of referrals and supports joined up planning for pupils. As a result, schools report improvements in attendance, engagement, confidence and readiness for post-16 pathways.

A Programme Making a Clear Difference

Pupils involved in the programme often show visible improvements in attitude, motivation and confidence. The structured and supportive environment helps them understand their strengths and begin to set achievable goals for their next steps in education or training.

“Premier League Inspires gives young people the space to feel listened to and supported,” said Jordan Ferrer, Schools Manager at Nottingham Forest Community Trust.

“Our mentors work closely with pupils and school staff which helps us create meaningful and lasting change. We see confidence grow week by week and that impact is what makes the programme so important.”