The Hull FC Community Foundation is proud to announce the continuation of funding from the Rugby Football League and the Youth Endowment Fund in a bid to reduce behavioural difficulties in young people.
The ‘Inspiring Futures’ programme was established on the back of a successful pilot study in 2019, seeking to improve the wellbeing of children, with the overarching goal of empowering young people to make positive choices and thrive in their communities.
The Inspiring Futures programme focuses on improving children’s wellbeing, resilience, social relationships, and confidence.
Sessions are delivered nationwide by RFL club Foundation coaches, including a 12-week Educate Mentoring Programme in Hull, targeted at children aged 13-15.
The programme offers weekly mentoring sessions, typically delivered in schools, that focus on building personal skills and raising awareness of risky behaviours and the importance of positive choices. These sessions are run by RFL professional club foundation coaches and include a conversation-based mentoring session followed by physical activity.
The Educate Mentoring strand specifically targets young people identified as “at risk,” with schools selecting participants based on behavioural and attendance challenges, and an interest in sport.
James Price, Head of Foundation at Hull FC Community Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with the Rugby Football League and the Youth Endowment Fund to deliver the Inspiring Futures programme.
“This initiative plays a crucial role in positively impacting young people in our communities, particularly those who face significant challenges. Through the combination of mentoring and sport, we are providing these young people with the tools they need to make better life choices, build resilience, and ultimately transform their futures. We are proud to be part of this long-term vision and excited for what lies ahead.”
Ryan Gibbons, Youth Engagement Lead at Hull FC Community Foundation, added: “The Inspiring Futures programme has already made a real difference in the lives of so many young people, and the continued support from the RFL and Youth Endowment Fund allows us to expand this impact even further.
“By working with ‘at-risk’ young people, we’re not just helping them to develop key life skills but also offering them a sense of belonging and confidence through sport. The programme is about more than just mentoring; it’s about opening doors, broadening horizons, and giving these young people the chance to succeed. We’re excited to see how this expanded programme can support even more young people in our community.”
Tom Brindle, Head of Development at the RFL, said: “Working with the Youth Endowment Fund over the last five years has been both a privilege and a pleasure. The additional funding allows us to build on the success of the pilot programme and continue to evaluate the impact that Inspiring Futures has on young people.
“Club foundations are the unsung heroes of our sport, and with the support of YEF and IPSOS, we will continue to deliver real change and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.”
Hull FC Community Foundation is committed to improving the lives of young people in the local community, and the continuation of this programme is a testament to the positive impact it is having across the region.
Through this partnership, the Foundation will continue to work with schools and local communities to provide vital support to young people facing adversity.