Friday 30th May
The Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) is proud to be working closely with ten footballers, from emerging academy talents to respected former professionals, in delivering the new Players’ Project Pilot, a programme supported by the Premier League and the Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA).
The Players’ Project Pilot forms a key part of JRF’s ongoing mission to create long-lasting, meaningful engagement between footballers and their communities. Delivered in collaboration with the Premier League and the PFA, the pilot supports current and former players in leading projects that reconnect them with the youth in their local areas, whether through football or wider community programmes.
At the heart of this initiative is the belief that players can be powerful role models beyond the pitch. Each of the ten players involved brings their own story, experience, and commitment to using their platform for good. Working within a shared framework shaped collaboratively by the Foundation, the Premier League, and the PFA, the Players’ Project Pilot seeks to deliver impactful, locally led projects focused on youth empowerment, social inclusion, and personal development.
This mission was brought to life at the Players’ Project Pilot launch event, hosted by the Foundation on Friday, 30 May 2025. The evening brought together participating players, young people, and members of the community to celebrate the start of the pilot and spotlight the players’ commitment to giving back. A standout moment of the evening saw young volunteers from the Foundation interviewing the ex-players, showcasing JRF’s ongoing dedication to putting youth voices at the forefront.
Former Premier League striker Mark Stein, who now works closely with children with special educational needs (SEN), spoke about the role sport plays in building confidence and inclusion, and how his current work brings him great enjoyment.
Jamie Lawrence reflected on his time working with young offenders, describing how helping others turn their lives around gave him purpose. “I want to help young men become men,” he shared, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the audience.
DJ Campbell spoke on the importance of being physically present within the community. “Talk is cheap,” he said. “Actually, being here, showing up, is what matters most.”
JRF’s founder Jason Roberts, MBE also shared his post-playing journey and the life lessons football has given him, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, which he now channels into his work with young people. “Football gave me a framework for life,” he said. “And sharing that with young people, hoping it stays with them, is something I care deeply about.”
In addition to the former professional footballers, the Mayor Brent, Cllr Ryan Hack attended the official launch of the project, as well as Riz Rehman, Player Inclusion Executive at the PFA, and Sharona Friedman from the Global Institute of Sport.
Reflecting on the launch, JRF CEO Otis Roberts said:
“It’s a fantastic programme. To see what players are doing off the pitch, their contribution is invaluable. Huge thanks to the Premier League and the PFA for supporting this and allowing us to be part of the pilot, and sincere thanks to the ten players for their commitment.”
The launch event marked a powerful beginning to the Players’ Project Pilot and reinforced the value of player-led community engagement rooted in purpose, collaboration, and lived experience.
A video overview of the launch event can be viewed here https://vimeo.com/1091702498
