Sello joins industry insiders at Belfast Careers showcase
The Into the Industry event hosted by Rio Ferdinand Foundation, with support from Partners Warner Music and Bauer Media, has attracted stars far and wide, with Irish Rapper Sello, Chelsea FC's Paul Canoville, and Warner Music CEO Tony Harlow amongst the line-up of industry insiders.
Glentoran FC hosts the interactive Into the Industry event on Sunday, 30 July, with over 75 young people aged 14-24 from local youth organisations expected to attend: a truly unique event and a celebration of youth culture. The event starts a new phase of partnership work in Northern Ireland to empower equality and create opportunities for young people.
“The relationship between the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Warner Music in the UK and Ireland underpins our commitment to embed skills, careers, and social mobility in all work areas. This event is part of a partnership that utilises music, football, youth culture and industry insiders to inspire, mentor and support young people to achieve their potential and access meaningful career opportunities.”
On the pitch, young people can participate in a football skills workshop with Glentoran FC 1st team staff and players before participating in the Rio Ferdinand Red vs Rio Ferdinand Black Exhibition match- this is one to watch!
Whilst off the pitch, young people can learn new skills under the guidance of professional tutors and enjoy various activities, including Djing, graffiti art, and videography, and unlock a world of meaningful career opportunities in sports, music, fashion, culture, and tech.
Young people will also be able to listen to a panel discussion hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Joel Taggart, including key figures in the Sport, Music, and Tech industry.
Joining Warner Music CEO Tony Harlow and Rio Ferdinand Foundation CEO Gary Stannett is Irish Rapping sensation Sello. A Warner Music Ireland artist with unsurmountable community spirit, Sello defies stereotypes and hopes to change how drill and rap are viewed forever with his debut album, Sellotape.
Completing the panel is Chelsea FC legend and campaigner Paul Canoville. Chelsea's first black player, Paul, was the victim of racial abuse and is now a passionate advocate for the power of football to unite communities and teach young people the skills to overcome challenges in life.
Stannett added:
“We are proud that Paul Canoville, Sello and Tony Harlow have returned to Belfast to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to this partnership and programme. Today is a brilliant opportunity for young people to get involved in practical workshops and talk to professionals from various industries.”
Sunday's event in Belfast follows the success of workshop-based careers events in London, Manchester, and at the Oh yeah centre Belfast over the last 12 months.
The event is also a showcase of the work carried out by young people who have participated in training and careers opportunities delivered by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation alongside charity partners Choice Housing and Glentoran Social Partnership as part of a pilot programme in East and South Belfast from January to June 2023.
The free-to-attend event is part of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Warner Music's ambition to increase equity, inclusion, and opportunities for young people from underrepresented communities. To find out more about the Rio Ferdinand Foundations' work in Northern Ireland, visit: https://www.rioferdinandfoundation.com/