The Premier League Inspires programme has been running since 2019, creating life-changing opportunities for young people who have been identified by their schools as needing extra support to engage with activities.
This week we are taking a look at how the programme has had an impact on young people across the country.
Cardiff City
Fitzalan High School is one of the schools that work with the Cardiff City Foundation and PL Inspires to help students who may be struggling with confidence and are not getting the best out of mainstream education.
One of those young people is Year 8 student Michal, who has benefited from the series of face-to-face mentoring sessions, workshops and social-action projects delivered by Foundation coach Annie.
"I used to not like school and used to be very quiet. Now I am very confident since having Annie's lessons," he says.
"She's kind to me and she doesn't make me do my work so fast. She doesn't rush me. She treats me like a friend."
PL Inspires provides the opportunity for the Cardiff City Foundation to be fully embedded in school life.
Annie is regarded as a member of staff and the school are fully aware of what impact that commitment is having on the students.
"I've been quite shocked to see some problematic pupils up at the board, presenting, showing their independence - not just with group work but with individual tasks," says Wendy Owen, Fitzalan's lead practitioner for pupil mentoring.
"They've got this self-confidence. They believe they're someone. They believe they have a future.
"We believe Annie has a real future in supporting pupils and making sure their dreams come true. I cannot recommend this intervention enough."
Also in this series
Part 1: PL Inspires celebrates three years of changing lives
Part 2: Man Utd encouraging young people to grow into role models
Part 3: How Blackburn are helping students make the step up
Part 4: How AFC Bournemouth helped change a schoolboy's path
Part 5: Learning from the press box: Wigan's media experience
