Students gain positive impact from support of Doncaster Rovers players at Club Doncaster Foundation's Premier League Inspires programme

As the Premier League Inspires programme kicks off once again following the Christmas break, students have been receiving the support from some of the Doncaster Rovers first team.

Students from De Warenne Academy welcomed Owen Bailey and Luke Molyneux to their Inspires session, while Astrea Academy Woodfields students had Doncaster born footballers Jay McGrath and Bobby Faulkner in attendance at their session.

Players joined a group discussion with students, where they spoke about resilience, teamwork and the skills it takes to be a footballer, along with aspirations for now and the future. Students also asked questions of their own to the players, before heading outside for a mini football match.

Using the power of football, the programme aims to support young people aged 11-18 with their personal development as well as working to raise aspirations and improve outcomes in education. The programme is fully funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund and delivered in schools during curriculum time by dedicated staff from Club Doncaster Foundation.

Ed O’Mahony, who heads up the programme said: “Through Premier League Inspires, we provide opportunities for our participants to meet professional footballers from Doncaster Rovers and Doncaster Rovers Belles at their secondary schools. 

“Footballers at this level possess many of the same traits that students need to get the most out of themselves in education such as resilience, the ability to work well with others and good communication skills.

“Player visits are a great way to raise aspirations and get students to think about how the choices they make and habits they put in place now will impact on their ability to achieve their potential in the future. The participants were buzzing after meeting Luke, Owen, Bobby and Jay last week!”

James Gittins from Astrea Academy Woodfields said: “The sessions that Ed delivers and the topics he focuses on, links a lot to the curriculum and follows up what we’re doing in personal development. 

“The added bonus of having the Rovers players come in, it’s inspirational. You’re seeing young lads that are local to the area and it’s showing our students, that if they put their mind to it and show the determination and hard work, they can achieve things aswell.”

If your secondary school is interested in learning more about Premier League Inspires programme and how it can support your school then please contact our Premier League Inspires Lead via email (ed.omahony@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk) or phone (01302 764 663 - Option 2).