Premier League Inspires boosts Reggie’s mental health through football
Swansea City AFC Foundation’s Premier League Inspires programme has encouraged Reggie from Ysgol y Strade to use physical activity to improve his confidence and mental health.
Premier League Inspires aims to educate young people through a health and wellbeing course to improve their personal skills, knowledge and positive attitudes.
A crucial aspect of Premier League Inspires is the topic of mental health. This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week, and the importance of exercise continues to be emphasised.
Ross Draisey, Swansea City AFC Foundation’s Premier League Inspires coordinator, has seen a significant change in Reggie’s confidence since the beginning of the programme which, by extension, has had a positive impact on Reggie’s mental health.
“From the first week I met Reggie, he was quiet and kept to himself in the corner,” said Draisey.
“We have a cohort of boys here at Ysgol y Strade and they’re quite rowdy. Reggie was quiet, but over the last 10 weeks his confidence has soared.
“I think this project has especially helped his communication skills, teamwork; he always offers to help his peers in the lesson. It’s been really nice to see him grow and mature into the lovely young person that he is.
“He’s mentioned that his physical health has improved. He’s now happier and wants to go out and play sport every day, whereas I think he had a bit of a lull before.
“A lot of kids drop out of football at this age, which is sad because living a physically active life is something that we all need and Reggie knows the importance of being active now, rather than leading a sedentary lifestyle.”
Ella Griffiths, teaching assistant at Ysgol y Strade, also praised the programme’s effectiveness.
“Reggie was quite a shy kid, not quite sure of himself, but these sessions have really helped bring his confidence out and helped him be a better person overall,” added Griffiths.
“It’s the fact that they’ve been doing life skills, applying everything that’s important to them in life and learning how to apply that through football and in general life, it’s been amazing for all of the pupils.”
Now thriving and particularly enjoying playing football, Reggie is aware of the impact Premier League Inspires has had on him.
“I feel like I’ve improved on the pitch playing football and off the pitch in the classroom,” said Reggie.
“In the class I raise my hand up now to ask questions, I’ve gone back to my local football club and I’ve rejoined the Foundation’s Premier League Kicks session on a Monday.
"I've really enjoyed it."