Prepare for the Professional Game
Building Resilience & Allyship in Sport
For young athletes preparing to enter professional or semi-professional sport, along with coaches and support staff who want to better understand the challenges of discrimination in both physical and digital spaces.
Through the lens of Paul Canoville’s journey — from breaking through as Chelsea’s first Black player to enduring relentless racist abuse from the terraces — we explore what it means to step into professional sport. Paul’s story is not only one of resilience but also a stark reminder that prejudice in sport has not been left in the past.
With support from Professor Tom Beckett, who brings both lived experience and academic insight from his studies at Leeds Beckett University on online hate, we deliver sessions that combine storytelling, education, and practical guidance.
Build a Resilient, United Squad
Foster a culture of allyship and equip your players with strategies to overcome abuse.
what makes us different
Key Benefits...
Our athlete development programme is designed to fortify young sportspeople for the immense pressures of professional and semi-professional competition, both on and off the field. We go beyond physical training to build mental and emotional resilience, creating stronger individuals and more cohesive, supportive teams.
Uses Paul’s lived experience to spark honest, relatable conversations
Helps young athletes prepare for the realities of online and offline abuse
Equips players with coping strategies and directs them towards support resources
Builds resilience, allyship, and collective responsibility within teams
Join The Success
Don’t just take our word for it
The Foundation recently visited Peterborough United to deliver a session with their Youth Development and Professional Development Phase players. Paul shared powerful first-hand stories from his career, touching on resilience, mental health, racism, allyship, and the importance of player care. He was joined by Raphael Frascogna, who provided further insights and practical advice for young athletes.
Join the Movement
Lets Work Together
Ready to bring our youth-led cultural initiatives to your community or brand? Get the conversation started by filling out our simple form.
Trusted By The Pros
Partners That Believe in Change
Join a growing alliance of teams and institutions committed to preparing athletes for the mental and cultural challenges of professional sport.
