Premier League Changemakers programme at Southampton FC
Southampton FC, through the programme Premier League Changemakers funded by the Premier League and Sport Relief, supports girls and young women in developing their personal skills and positive attitudes for leadership.
12 months ago, girls aged 11 to 16 joined Saints Foundation for a summer-long programme of activities designed to inspire and highlight pathways into leadership for the future. They’ve continued to engage with them across this last school year, with the group regularly meeting for workshops, volunteering and sporting sessions. They also got stuck into a host of opportunities when the Women’s EUROs came to Southampton back in July.
“Thanks for helping me gain confidence in myself, for all the opportunities I’ve been given.”
Changemakers Participant
One year on from the initial summer programme, this year’s cohort graduated from Premier League Changemakers in a celebration event at St Mary’s Stadium. Each participant received a certificate, spoke about what they’d learnt about themselves on the programme, and ended the afternoon by taking part in some fun group games.
The group have been invited to return as mentors for the next group of Premier League Changemakers participants, who will start the programme in the autumn. The sign-up window for their next cohort will open in the coming weeks.
“It’s a place for me to communicate with other girls my age and actually do something I enjoy,” (…)“I feel like it’s given me the necessary skills for life, for any situation I come into.”
Jess, Changemakers participant