Ledley King celebrates success of Foundation’s prison programme

Offenders close to release from HMP The Mount, near Hemel Hempstead, have earnt football coaching qualifications after taking part in a programme delivered by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation - helping them find a pathway back into society through the power of football.

Delivered in partnership with the Twinning Project, 10 participants have now completed their FA Developing Leadership through Football qualification, with Spurs ambassador Ledley King visiting to see them in action and present certificates.

Over half of all people in prison have no qualifications prior to custody and more than two in five adults are reconvicted of another offence within one year of release.

Many of those in prison have been excluded from school and 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.

Speaking after his visit, Ledley said: “It’s been a great experience coming in, seeing what goes on and getting a better understanding of just how big a role sport plays in life and society.

“Everyone I spoke to today wants to better themselves. Thanks to this programme, they have hope of coming out of custody, integrating back into society and being able to do something they enjoy.”

Participants will reconvene with the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation upon their release to complete the Emergency Aid and Safeguarding Children qualification, the last step to being signed off as a qualified football coach.

Andre Thomas, Project Coordinator for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: “We’ve seen a clear increase in confidence and wellbeing from when the guys started this programme to now completing it and receiving their coaching qualification.

“Once they’re released, the Foundation hopes to support them into employment, helping them to shape a brighter future.”

In attendance, Twinning Project CEO Hilton Freund commented: “We’re delighted Ledley gave up his time and attended the graduation of this Twinning Project cohort.  It was clear to see the inspirational impact Ledley had on the learners.

“Football has the power to change lives and we’re thrilled the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation is working in partnership with HMP The Mount.”

To find out more about the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, including its Twinning Project partnership, please email foundation@tottenhamhotspur.com.