Foster The Future Programme Sets Participant On Path To Secondary School
- David has been on Leicester City in the Community’s Foster the Future programme for two years
- It is funded by the Premier League and Players Football Association (PLPFA)
- The sessions comprise of mentoring on a one-to-one basis
- Leicester City in the Community have supported David with his transition to secondary school
Foster the Future, which is funded by the Premier League and Players Football Association, sees Leicester City in the Community coaches mentor children who are in care, as well as those who have experienced being in care.
One participant, David, has been involved in the programme for two years, taking part in one-to-one sessions this academic year with Care Experienced Inspire Coach, Dylan Mistry.
Beginning their sessions over the 2021 summer holidays, as part of Leicester City in the Community’s ‘Summer of Fun’ programme, David grew to know a familiar face in Dylan for when he began his final year at primary school.
“David was displaying a few challenging behaviours at school,” Dylan explained. “So, his school wanted him to have a positive role model to develop those key characteristics.
“Now, David can recognise what gets him to ‘bubble’, and he can find the ways to calm himself down – he’s been phenomenal.”
Taking place once a week, all of David’s sessions are bespoke; they are tailored to his likes and interests to encourage engagement and response.
As well as this, David has taken part in a variety of enrichment opportunities with Leicester City’s charitable arm, including watching the Foxes take on Burnley in the Premier League last season, as well as visits to Ninja Warrior Leicester, the National Space Centre, Beacon Hill and a residential trip to PGL.
Foster the Future has also guided David with his transition to secondary school, for which he attended a Transition Conference at King Power Stadium ran by Leicester City Council Psychology Service.
Speaking at his latest enrichment activity, a trip to LCFC Training Ground in Seagrave, he discussed his experience with Foster the Future.
He said: “When I first started the sessions, I would get angry for no reason – but now I’m a lot happier. We have done lots of projects, like calming down when I get angry and coping with change.
“This has made me just ready for secondary school.”
Watch David’s visit to LCFC Training Ground, HERE. To find out more about Foster the Future and Leicester City in the Community’s work with care experienced children and care leavers, contact Education Manager Emma Lowry on Emma.Lowry@lcfc.co.uk.