Offenders gain coaching qualifications through unique Foundation programme

Over the past eight weeks, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has been delivering educational coaching sessions at HMP The Mount, Milton Keynes, to help those who are close to release find a pathway back into society through the power of football.

Delivered in partnership with the Twinning Project, a charity that gives offenders the opportunity to access a football coaching qualification, 16 participants have now completed their FA Developing Leadership through Football qualification.

Over half of all people in prison have no qualifications prior to custody and 83% of them leave custody without any employment or training opportunity.

Many of those in prison have been excluded from school and have developed a resistance to learning and exercise. The Twinning Project approach uses football to help break down these barriers and uses sport as a catalyst for change to improve the mental, physical health and wellbeing of those in custody.

Richard Masters, CEO of the Premier League, Club Ambassador Ossie Ardiles and his former team-mate Ricky Villa, both World Cup and FA Cup winners, had the opportunity to meet the participants today and hear first-hand about their experiences on the course before presenting qualification certificates.

Upon the participants’ release, they will reconvene with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation staff to complete the Emergency Aid and Safeguarding Children qualification which will then allow an individual to be signed off as a qualified football coach. The aim is to then support the participants into employment both on and off the pitch, helping them to shape a brighter future.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ossie said: “I saw first hand today how hard all the participants have worked to get their qualification. Hearing about how their confidence has grown, how they have developed new skills in coaching and leadership, and how they are excited to continue learning in the future was wonderful. Football has the power to bring so many people together and I hope they keep up the good work.”

One of the participants commented: “Taking part in this project has given me the opportunity to learn. Football is more than just kicking a ball and I’ve been able to find out more about the psychological and technical aspects. The project has taught me to be more confident and it’s given me hope for when I get out.”

To find out further information on the Twinning Project, please email thf.activities@tottenhamhotspur.com.