More than 200 young people from across England and Wales came together recently at Wembley Stadium to showcase their ideas for raising mental health awareness in their local communities as part of the Premier League’s Inside Matters campaign – and four of those youngsters were representing Arsenal in the Community.
The celebration event was the culmination of this year’s Premier League Inspires Challenge, which empowers participants to take on a social action project and make a difference to the world around them.
Teams representing 45 professional football clubs took part, presenting their proposals, attending workshops and gaining inspiration from other young people.
The Challenge is one part of Premier League Inspires, which is delivered with partnership support from the PFA and allows clubs to support 11 to 18-year-olds who may be at risk of not reaching their potential as they move through the education system and early adulthood.
“I don’t think young people’s mental health is discussed enough so our project is to host free football sessions and mental health talks for secondary school girls and boys,” said Keichardae, one of our representatives at the event alongside Gift, Fortune and Abibat.
“This will help a lot of young people express themselves in a safe space where they won’t get judged. It’s important because when you let go of what you’re feeling and what is worrying you, you will feel better,” she added.
“I’m proud of the team that we’re trying to do something that will help and make a difference to lots of people’s lives. It’s fantastic that we have an opportunity to come to Wembley and represent Arsenal.”
Keichardae explains the thinking behind the girls’ project: to host free football and mental health sessions at high schools
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