Academy stars making their mark in the community
As part of their development as both footballers and as people, the young academy scholars at the club spend a lot of time helping people in their local communities.
This season, the Foundation has linked up with the club’s academy to facilitate ways for young future Albion stars to give back and learn how important the community is to the DNA of the club. By doing this, they develop their own soft skills at the same time as helping out their community.
This initiative, supported by the Premier League PFA Community Fund, has seen scholars very busy over the last 12 months. They’ve helped to coach players at Brighton and Hove Albion Soccer Schools, disability football camps, Kick Off The Weight sessions, and more.
They have also helped to organise and run several Albion Cup tournaments for youngsters from Special Educational Needs schools.
Their tutor, Sami El-Abd, told us: “With the constant pressures of the elite environment players are subject to on a day-to-day basis, these opportunities to give back the community helps them put things in perspective and realise the impact football can have on the community.
“When I speak to scholars that have now moved on, their most memorable moments are the work in the community
“In addition to this, the interaction they have at these varied sessions helps build on their leadership and communication skills, which will help them both in their careers in football and afterwards.”