Participants from the Foundation have joined hundreds of young people for a special Premier League Youth Summit today, as part of the Premier League’s commitment to supporting youth voice.

Delivered via the Premier League Charitable Fund, through the national Premier League Kicks and Premier League Inspires programmes, the event see’s 16-to-18-year-olds from 39 professional football club community organisations come together to share their views on the issues that are affecting them and their communities.

Held at Burton Albion Football Club, the in-person summit, presented by DJ Kennedy Taylor, will encourage young people to engage in discussions around gender equality, anti-racism, LGBTQ+ issues, environmental sustainability and career pathways.

With the theme of Empowering Future Leaders, participants have the opportunity to hear from inspirational young people, including Sky Sports News reporter, Fadumo Olow, and former FA Youth Panel Chair, Nayim Ahmed, alongside interactive workshops and sessions devised to support the development of key employability and leadership skills.

Premier League Charitable Fund Chief Executive, Ruth Shaw OBE, said: “Children and young people are at the heart of our work and the purpose of the Premier League Charitable Fund. We believe in the power of youth to drive positive change, and we use the appeal of the Premier League and professional football to create platforms like the Premier League Youth Summit. This day is about giving young people the chance to thrive with the support of trusted and skilled adults. I’m excited to hear directly from young people about the issues affecting them, and how football can play a positive role in their schools, clubs and communities.”

2 young people, Owen and Emily, from the Foundation’s Premier League Kicks activity took part in this year’s Premier League Youth Summit.

Mark Cooper, Sport Development Officer spoke about the duo attending the event: “Owen and Emily have already volunteered on sessions and tournaments delivered by the Foundation, so we thought it was fitting for them both to attend the event to represent us.

“The Youth Summit Event will develop them as young leaders by taking part in workshops, discussions and activities, allowing them to have their say in shaping the programme and the communities future.”

Premier League Director of Community, Nick Perchard, said: “The Premier League is committed to promoting equality and giving young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to have their say. Football is more than a game and events such as the Premier

League Youth Summit offer young people the chance to come together to discuss the topics that matter to them, to help shape their communities.

“It is vital that we continue to support and empower young people from every part of the community to tell us how the Premier League can best support them with the challenges they face in their everyday lives.”

The Premier League Youth Summit began in season 2020/21, with the aim of involving and supporting young people in positive conversation, while empowering them to tackle issues that affect their communities. More than 1000 young people have contributed to the discussions to date.