STRIKE A CHANGE
“You can change your path.” If there is a simple message at the very core of our programme to all of the participants it is this.
And the “Strike A Change” project, run in collaboration with the six West Midlands League clubs, is propelled by the ambition of all involved to help youngsters who may be enduring difficulties at home, at school or on the streets of their community, to find a different path.
Each year, we induct 70-80 youngsters on to the programme to begin a series of mentoring sessions and football-themed activities.
Each session is hosted by one of our collaborative clubs – Coventry, West Brom, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Wolves and Walsall – and are highlighted by an inspirational speaker. IN the past we’ve had football stars such as John Barnes, Troy Deeney, Jay Bothroyd, Andy Cole and more tell us about their trials and tribulations as they made their way in the game.
We also bring in folk from other walks of life, all with a story to tell and all intent on inspiring our young participants to believe in themselves and their potential. There is no doubting the impact these sessions bring to the group and the programme’s impact was signalled when it was
“It is working,” says founder and chair Julia Regis. “We are hearing from schools about raised aspirations and motivational levels. “People have stepped into leadership roles and are thinking about their peers more.”
All of this was cherished by Cyrille who shortly before his passing, had spoken to Julia about how he intended filling his retirement years working to mentor youngsters facing a bleak future and disengaged from mainstream society.
It was acknowledged, too, by one of the many players Cyrille’s pathway inspired – former England forward Les Ferdinand. Les is another big supporter of the Trust’s efforts and knows it fits exactly in line with what mattered most to the man who inspired him.
This Strike a Change programme is exactly the kind of thing Cyrille would have been doing if only he could still be with us.
DOCUMENTARY
GALLERY
PARTNERS
