Angela visited Dixons Ashton Academy to meet students taking part in the Set for Success programme – an intensive youth leadership initiative using sport and physical activity to help young people develop key life skills and improve engagement with pathways into education and work.
Funded by the Wimbledon Foundation, in partnership with Barclays and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, Set for Success supports young people who may face barriers to achieving their full potential. Through mentoring from inspirational athletes and a structured programme of personal development activities, participants build essential life, leadership and employability skills.
Set for Success’ impact found for every £1 invested, £5.63 of social value is generated. As a direct result of their involvement in Set for Success, pupils participating in the programme are expected to be more likely to remain in education, training or employment.
During the 2024/25 academic year, 92% of participants reported improvements in at least one of three key employability skills, while 82% said they had a better understanding of how their skills could support their future education and career aspirations. Furthermore, more than three-quarters (77%) of teachers reported that at least one young person at their school had improved their attendance as a result of taking part in Set for Success.
During the visit, students showcased a social action project they had developed as part of the programme, leading a donation drive in support of Cedar Park Food Bank.
Angela spent time speaking with students about their experiences on the programme and hearing first-hand how it has helped their personal development and future ambitions. The group was also joined by Ayaz Bhuta, British Paralympic wheelchair rugby player and Youth Sport Trust Athlete Mentor.