#MorethanFootball Award Winners 2024: Bristol City Robins Foundation – ADD-Mentor
On Wednesday, 20th of November 2024, the Bristol City Robins Foundation is announced as the winner of the prestigious #MorethanFootball Award, powered by Musco Lighting in Leuven, Belgium.
The #MorethanFootball Award celebrates the most impactful and innovative social initiatives in Europe delivered by football clubs, leagues, or football associations. It recognises efforts made on local, national, and international levels, both on and off the pitch. Projects were assessed based on their quality, promotion, and level of community engagement.
ADD-Mentor: A Life-Changing Initiative
The Bristol City Robins Foundation was honoured for their transformative ADD-Mentor project, which focuses on guiding young people away from negative influences and helping them find purpose and a positive role in their communities.
The project creates trusting relationships between young people in the community and mentors who have overcome similar life challenges. These mentors, such as Jade and Sam, use their lived experiences to connect with and support young people. They provide guidance, help the mentees spend positive, structured time away from harmful influences, and open pathways to personal development and change through football.
Project Impact
The ADD-Mentor project has achieved measurable success, including:
- Reduction in criminal offending and absconding
- Increased confidence and improved relationship-building skills
- Higher levels of physical activity and vocational focus
- Enhanced educational attainment
- Improved social-emotional functioning
- Development of pride and self-esteem
- A positive outlook for the future
Additionally, the project’s success has led to increased involvement from local police, who are now supporting parents of the mentees to develop their own skills and purpose.
A Testament to Football’s Power
The lived experiences of mentors Jade and Sam have been pivotal to the project’s success. Having overcome significant life challenges themselves, they embody the power of second chances and the importance of support systems. Their stories inspire young people to envision a better future and work toward it.
The Prize: A Club-Branded Mini-Pitch
As the winner of the 2024 #MorethanFootball Award, the Bristol City Robins Foundation will receive not only recognition for their outstanding community initiative but also a Mini-Pitch System™ modular sports solution. This club-branded mini-pitch, developed in partnership with EFDN and Musco Lighting, will provide a new space for the community to come together, stay active, and continue fostering positive change.
A Bright Future Ahead
The ADD-Mentor project exemplifies the incredible impact football can have in changing lives and empowering communities. Congratulations to the Bristol City Robins Foundation for this well-deserved recognition!
