The Foundations of Opportunity

In my role as Training and Progression Manager with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, I get to create the foundations of opportunity for young people. We open eyes and doors to new opportunities and, with the help of fantastic partners, support young people in realising their positive aspirations.

Earlier this month, I joined colleagues in South Africa to facilitate two workshops with the ETA and the University of Cape Town that enhanced an existing skills and employability programme for the future football ambassadors of Junction Rovers Football Club. A programme that uses the power of sport as an accessible pathway for personal development and a driver for social action.

We added value to the training programme by developing participants' skills in leadership, confidence, and self-awareness. Our exercises put comfort zones to the test, enabling the development of skills to boost confidence when talking in front of the camera. These are transferable skills the group can use in their community roles to engage young people effectively.

In a country with high levels of economic disadvantage and severely under-resourced communities, we showed the group the self-awareness skills required and the importance of being mindful and empathetic of individual circumstances as a strategy for engagement.

Although we were only there for a few days, it was great being part of someone's journey. I left safe in the knowledge that these people will go back into their communities and put into practice what they have learnt. I was struck by a powerful enthusiasm to learn in the air. Everyone we engaged had big hopes and dreams for their communities.

I am proud to have been part of a team laying the foundations of opportunity, but the journey doesn't end there. All participants have access to higher education. Three members of the group received bursaries and are progressing into further education with ETA College, while the remainder of the group will take part in a series of short courses with the University of Cape Town.

Opportunities in South Africa are less prevalent than in the UK and seeing such an appetite to learn was eye-opening. Everyone was so engaged, just so up for it. People gave up their work time to come and be with us. One lady missed a day because it was a workday, but during her lunch break, she drove out to be with us, so she didn't miss too much.

The commitment and dedication to better themselves and support their community is second to none.

As I settle back into London life, I reflect on my own learnings. I cherish the enthusiasm in South Africa, and I endeavour to encourage everyone who takes part in our programmes in the UK and overseas to seize the opportunity. Opportunity isn't a given, and while in the UK and Ireland, we are fortunate to have the support of partners that create opportunities, in South Africa, the opportunities are not as plentiful.

I advise any young person to seize the day and seize the opportunity!