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Nottingham Forest Women’s players Amy Sims and Charlie Wellings recently joined a workshop at The City Ground as part of Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s delivery of Premier League Inspires.

Premier League Inspires, funded by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) through the Premier League Charitable Fund, is a personal development programme designed to empower young people aged 11-to-18. It uses the power of football to inspire students to build essential life skills and adopt a positive mindset.

The Community Trust delivers workshops at The City Ground across the academic year which provides a change from the traditional classroom environment, offering students the chance to explore critical topics such as discrimination, inclusion, and mental health.

This particular session aligned with Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, proudly supported by the Premier League.

Sims and Wellings participated in a Q&A session with students, sharing insights from their experiences as professional footballers and both players had the chance to see for themselves the impact of Premier League funding on community education initiatives.

Raising awareness of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in schools is essential for building environments where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.

These workshops go beyond the surface of education to tackle systemic challenges, such as prejudice and lack of understanding, equipping young people with the tools to embrace differences and stand against discrimination.

Within a football environment, the impact of EDI awareness is particularly powerful. Football is a global language that transcends barriers, making it an ideal platform to drive conversations around inclusion.

Programmes like Premier League Inspires and campaigns such as Rainbow Laces use the sport’s popularity to address social issues, challenge stereotypes, and promote acceptance.

The partnership between the Premier League and Stonewall places significant emphasis on building LGBTQ+ acceptance among young people through programmes such as Premier League Primary Stars, Premier League Kicks, and Premier League Inspires.

The Rainbow Laces campaign serves as a powerful platform to promote inclusivity and understanding, reinforcing football’s potential to be a force for good.

Workshops like these contribute to creating a more inclusive society, encouraging young people to reflect on their own beliefs and the ways they interact with others.

By addressing issues such as discrimination and mental health, these sessions empower students to be agents of change in their schools, communities, and future workplaces.

Speaking about the initiative, Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Premier League Inspires Coordinator Jordan Ferrer said, “Sessions like these create a safe space for students to engage in meaningful discussions about topics that shape their worldview.

“Taking pupils out of the traditional classroom and bringing them to an iconic venue like The City Ground offers a unique learning experience. It helps to break down barriers and engage students in a way that is different from their everyday school environment.

“The change of setting allows students to see real-world applications of the lessons they’re learning, whether it’s understanding inclusion through football or addressing discrimination.”

“Having role models like Amy and Charlie join the sessions adds real impact, inspiring young people to embrace diversity and strive for positive change. It shows them that these important topics matter at all levels, from their own schools to the wider footballing community.”