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UCFB’s Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is delighted to announce a new scholarship that will be backed by former Premier League striker Jason Roberts.

The Jason Roberts Foundation Scholarship is on offer to GIS students at UCFB Wembley – which has the iconic Wembley Stadium at its heart – who can show they have the vision to be leaders and promote inclusion, respect, equality and diversity. The £1500 scholarship is open for applications ahead of the 2020/21 academic year which begins in September, and joins a growing list of scholarship opportunities for GIS’ sports Master’s degree students.

GIS is the new destination for Master’s degrees and executive education, utilising a global network of industry leaders and elite stadium venues. Jason is well acquainted with GIS and its commitment to upskilling the next generation of sports professionals, while at the same time ensuring the industry is inclusive and diverse, having delivered guest speaker sessions to students in recent months. He also sits on the illustrious GIS Industry Advisory Board, which is made up of some of the most influential and respected names in world sport in order to influence and shape the education provision of GIS to enable the next generation of sports professionals to become leaders in their field.

Since retiring from a playing career which included successful spells at Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers, Jason is now Director of Development at CONCACAF and set up his Foundation in 2007 to support youngsters in London and Grenada.

Commenting on his scholarship, Jason said: “I’m delighted to be able to collaborate with GIS and offer this award to Master’s students at UCFB Wembley. Our Foundation is about giving a platform to those in the community I grew up in and offering equal opportunities to aspirational individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, and I look forward to welcoming award winners into the Foundation very soon.”

GIS’ President, Sharona Friedman, commented: “We’re thrilled that Jason has agreed to continue to back our students and the future leaders of the sports industry with this award. GIS is determined to ensure that football and sport is an inclusive and diverse industry to work in and be a part of, something Jason has demonstrated throughout his careers in the game. Jason is inspirational.”

For more information on the Jason Roberts Foundation scholarship and to apply, please visit www.GIS.sport/scholarships.

The UK’s first female, Muslim referee, who has her sights set on officiating in the Premier League, has told Sky Sports News she feels like she is entering a man’s world and is showing them who is boss.

Jawahir Roble, otherwise known as JJ, certainly takes no prisoners on the pitch.

From the sidelines, as she officiates a game, Roble can be heard offering a mixture of encouragement and warnings to the players.

“No pulling, no pulling”, she shouts, as a scuffle breaks out just outside the box. Roble, who referees wearing a hijab, can certainly handle herself in what she calls a man’s world.

She told Sky Sports News: “Everyone says it’s a man’s game, football is a man’s game. I feel like I’m coming to their territory and I’m showing them who’s boss.

“Showing them how it’s done and encouraging more and more girls to come and take over, because this is anyone’s game.”

Roble arrived in the UK as a refugee from Somalia when she was just 10 years old. Her family decided to make a new life in Wembley, after fleeing war in their home country.

Growing up, JJ played football with the boys, which her parents were not always on board with.

“My parents, where do I start with them”, she said.

“At the beginning it was like me against them. Them telling me, don’t play football anymore because it is a man’s game.

“Don’t play football because you’re a woman. Stop playing football because you’re never going to fit in. People will discriminate, people will be rude.

“I get where they’re coming from. I told them: ‘Guys, support me in refereeing. Clearly I’m not going to stop loving football. I’m going to find my own way’. I’m so glad I found refereeing.”

Although Roble dreamt of playing for the Lionesses, she started refereeing purely by chance. When someone did not turn up for a game, she was asked to step in. She now has FA qualifications and a degree in coaching.

JJ often referees for youngsters at the Jason Roberts foundation, a charity set up near where she grew up in Wembley, which offers mentoring, sports and life skills to disadvantaged youngsters.

Roble is certainly a character. She is the type of person that puts a smile on people’s faces. She is cheeky, confident and takes no nonsense if she is ever given any abuse on the pitch.

Standing below the Wembley Arch, she sings: “It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming, football’s coming home”, not fazed one bit by those watching on. It is evident how much the area means to her.

She told Sky Sports News: “Wembley has welcomed my family. Growing up, we had all my family playing football in the back yard.

“You could hear all the noise, all the fans.

“We would see fans walking around our area and it’s such a nice vibe. In England football is so organised, so I was in the right place at the right time I guess.”

She Has Game is a borough-wide campaign by Jason Roberts Foundation to get young females engaged and registered in local sports clubs and organisations regardless of ability, background and circumstances.

In the last few months, the Foundation in partnership with academies, schools, clubs and community organisations have carried out extensive research and consultation exploring why there is less amount of girls playing sports compared to boys in Brent.

We decided to focus on providing the platform where young girls in their mass numbers could come together to engage and explore different sports activities such as Golf, Boxing, Volleyball, Football, Athletics, Basketball and Rugby in a safe and fun environment without the fear of being judged or coerced.

She Has Game campaign aims to inspire girls to be more active in sports and take up the opportunities available through local sports clubs and organisation. To help with this we held a celebration event on Wednesday 13^thof July 2016 at Ark Academy in partnership with Track Academy, The Golf Trust, Kinja FC and Willesden Volleyball Club. The event saw 75 young girls from 11 to 14 years old get stuck in four different sports activities and register for the opportunity to do more during and after the summer.

Ark Academy student Luana, who has attended all three celebration events and now is a regular rugby player for Kilburn Cosmos RFC, shared her thoughts on the day and the girls in sports, “I think sports is something really important to have part of your life because it can help you make friends and help you improve your fitness”.

The Jason Roberts Foundation would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Ark Academy and Big Lottery Fund, whose support makes all this possible.

After months of lockdown, Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) was thrilled to open the Bridgestone Arena doors to welcome children and young people back for a summer of sport.

Funding from Hyde and John Lyons Fund enabled Brent-based JRF and Connect Stars to join forces to lay on four fun-filled weeks of sports, games, dance, drama and days out for Hyde’s young residents to enjoy. 

Careful changes were made, following Government guidance, to make sure coaches and mentors could deliver these activities safely, but still have lots of socially-distanced fun. 

Sports zones were created so each group had an opportunity to try each of the activities on offer, including basketball, tennis, table tennis, tag rugby, football and urban golf. Hillside Performing Arts encouraged youngsters to try out different forms of dance and drama. 

Support from some parents, along with young volunteers from JRF’s Youth Leadership Programme, meant small groups could go on day trips to experience new activities in different settings. Kayaking, along with the driving lessons, through Young Driver, were very popular. One young participant said: : “It’s the best thing I’ve ever experienced!” 

JRF knew it was vital to resume activities as soon as government guidance allowed, as the restrictions were having a negative impact on physical and mental wellbeing. Throughout the weeks youngsters of all ages and abilities made new friends, shared experiences, learnt about each other’s cultures and were able to keep fit and healthy in a safe environment.

Julie Costley, Hyde’s Successful Places Partnership and Project Manager said:

“We are excited to continue supporting Jason Robert Foundation and Connect Stars to offer young Hyde residents in Stonebridge positive activities and local opportunities. I’m delighted with the rapid response of both these partners. It’s highlighted how their great work lifts the community even in the most challenging circumstances.” 

JRF’s Youth Leadership Programme grew with four young volunteers helping to run the summer programme, with several applications from other young participants eager to get involved. The newly created Cultural Media Centre was a hit, with youngsters learning about career paths in the media and recording podcasts.

The Mayor of Brent visited and energetically tried out one of the newly installed rowing machines, and Council leader, Mo Butt, spent time speaking with the young people. Feedback from participants has been enthusiastic, with some describing it as: “The best summer ever!”

This week The Jason Roberts Foundation teamed up with specialist PPE manufacturers ‘PPS’ to
work towards a post-lockdown Bridgestone Arena. Milton Keynes based PPS is a leading UK manufacturer of decontamination equipment and personal protective equipment.

A team from PPS (who have been working throughout lockdown to provide PPE to hospitals and doctors surgeries) visited the foundation’s centre this week to set up a comprehensive Covid-19 strategy. During the visit, the team marked out appropriate social distancing areas, helping to apply tape and signs, whilst also donating hand sanitiser, gloves and coveralls. They also spent time with members of the foundation implementing a Covid-19 health and safety policy. PPS donated 50 safety visors to the children who the foundation works with. The foundation also benefited from a custom-built PPS doorway basin which disinfects all shoes before entering the
building.

Both organisations were joined by The Mayor of Brent councillor Ernest Ezeajughi who has chosen The Jason Roberts Foundation as one of his supported charities during his time in office.

Managing Director of PPS, Pam Parker said: “I’m delighted to have been able to help The Jason Roberts foundation become coronavirus-secure moving forwards. My relationship with the foundation stretches back to 2010 on several different first aid projects in the UK and Grenada. We’re pleased to be able to offer the foundation peace of mind so they can continue the great work they’re doing with young people. We’ve been working so hard at the factory over the last few months, for us, it’s been really gratifying to get a chance to see how our hard work has helped.” CEO of The Jason Roberts Foundation, Otis Roberts said: “We are so grateful for this donation from PPS. We have had to redress how we provide support to our community during the last three months and this donation of PPE will be essential to help prepare our centre to reopen. It’s essential that we are able to continue to provide a safe space to our community, and with the help of PPS, we will continue to be able to do that after lockdown.”

The Mayor of Brent councillor Ernest Ezeajughi said: “I am delighted to support The Jason Roberts Foundation and all the incredible work they are doing with young people. This donation of PPE to the foundation in preparation for their reopening after lockdown is most welcome. Thank you to PPS for their kind donation to my chosen charity.”

Image credit: eyesam.co.uk

Young members of a Stonebridge sports charity were treated to a visit by the Jamaican national women’s football team ahead of their World Cup debut.

The team – nicknamed the Reggae Girlz – took part in a coaching session alongside youngsters from the Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) at the Bridgestone Arena.

Dawn Butler MP joined councillors and community representatives to celebrate the achievements of the Caribbean team and their journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

Jamaican coach Hue Menzies and his World Cup-bound squad shared some of their experience and imparted words of wisdom to the excited youngsters ahead of their debut in the competition on June 9 against a tough Brazilian side.

Jason Roberts Foundation was set up in 2007 to introduce children in Grenada and the UK to support young people, celebrate diversity and promote respect through sport.

The charity works with young people at risk of homelessness and committing crimes, those excluded from school or struggling in the curriculum, and young people with physical and learning difficulties.

Its values mirror The Reggae Girlz Foundation, a charity with its own mission to inspire, educate, mobilise and support young female football players in Jamaica.

Precious, a 13-year-old Jason Roberts Foundation participant, said: “I was delighted to meet the team and they inspired me by just being here and mixing with us.

“They told me to continue playing football because it helps with health and other things in life.”

Precious, who wants to become a lawyer, enjoyed the day’s activities including a match against Jason Roberts Foundation’s under-12 boys team.

Otis Roberts, Jason Roberts Foundation chief, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Reggae Girlz and staff to the Bridgestone arena for this event .

“We were delighted to have support from the mayor of Brent, Dawn Butler MP and the community.

“The girls made a lasting impression on the young people and went to great lengths to engage with the many activities on offer.

“We at Jason Roberts Foundation would like to wish the team successful World Cup campaign.”

Images credit: eyesam.co.uk

Young people from the Youth in Action programme in Grenada, a new initiative announced today by the Jason Roberts Foundation, supported by Laureus Sport for Good, have met Britain’s Prince Harry during his visit to the island.

Today’s royal visit to Queen’s Park, in the Grenada capital St George’s, coincided with the formal launch of an ongoing partnership between Laureus and the Jason Roberts Foundation, that will ultimately help to improve the lives of young people throughout the Caribbean.

In addition to participants from Youth in Action, there were other boys and girls at Queen’s Park taking part in football, cricket and netball sessions, watched by Prince Harry, Jason Roberts and Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick, the former All Blacks’ captain.

Piloted in 2015 and 2016 by the Jason Roberts Foundation vulnerable young people from Grenada undertook sporting and personal development training, before representing their country in the Homeless World Cup tournaments in Amsterdam and Glasgow respectively. The newly announced Youth in Action uses former players from the teams as volunteers to run sports-based social action projects on the island to promote social inclusion and community cohesion.

From 2017 Laureus will be working with the Jason Roberts Foundation to extend a programme of sports participation and personal development across Grenada, with unemployed young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those at risk of offending. Previous graduates will act as roles models and mentors for new participants in the project.

The partnership will also produce a sport for development curriculum and an independent report with recommendations for how the concept can be repeated in other parts of the Caribbean.

Sean Fitzpatrick: “At Laureus we believe that sport has the power to change the world and Prince Harry has shown his own personal commitment to that concept over many years. Everyone will applaud him for his idea to create the Invictus Games which shows how sport can be a dynamic force in helping recovery and I am delighted that we have been able to tell him about our new project in Grenada. With our friends from the Jason Roberts Foundation, we are determined to put this new programme on the map and hope that this is just the start of our work in the Caribbean.”

Jason Roberts: “I am extremely proud of the young people that have participated in our programmes in Grenada to date, and the new partnership with Laureus is a fantastic opportunity for my Foundation to scale up our work and impact on the lives of many more young people and communities in the country. To be announcing this partnership alongside a Royal visit demonstrates the impact that sport as a tool for development can have, and the credibility it has around the world. I and my team look forward to taking that mission into the Caribbean with Laureus in 2017.”

Former French International rugby player; Serge Betsen has teamed up with Jason Roberts’ foundation to deliver rugby to young people in North West London.

Serge Betsen Rugby (SBR) was created in 2015 as part of Serge Betsen Consulting, to teach rugby and multisport to young people through a unique method mixing French and English standards and values.

SBR is a coaching programme that Serge Betsen created by going into schools and introducing students to the game. Since its creation, many partnerships were built to expand on their work, including the Jason Roberts Foundation.

The partnership rugby programme is delivered by SBR at JRF’s main delivery hub; the Pavilion in Stonebridge, where JRF has been delivering its programmes since 2007 engaging hard to reach young people aged 11-25 years old.

The programme is committed to use this unique sport to engage the local youths, enabling them to try out a new sport, keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

“This is an incredible programme that both my team and I are extremely happy to be a part of,” Said the former London Wasps player. “I first met the CEO; Otis Roberts, at an event in October last year and we started to talk about the work JRF is doing with young people and he expressed the Foundation’s interest in rugby.

“We both quickly realised that we are very passion about sport and how we can use sport to change young people’s lives for the better. In just a few months the rugby programme has already had an impact on many young people.

“You can tell that these young people have been coming to the JRF for years, but for the first time ever they have been introduced to rugby. The reactions we have had from the young people are fantastic.”

Betsen and his team delivered their first rugby session for JRF in January and they have since been involved with three half term programmes and weekly sessions.

Jason Roberts MBE, who is pleased to see the rugby legend coming on board as a partner, said: “It is an absolute pleasure working in partnership with Serge and his team.

“Their vision about using sport to changes lives falls right into our line of work and it has also been amazing having Serge’s support around events the Foundation has accommodated.”

The JRF hosted a Women’s Celebration Day in March as a part of the International Women’s Day at Ark Academy in Wembley.

The event was attended by more than 120 young females, who were introduced to six different sports and workshop on leadership with successful business women.

Betsen made a surprise visit at the event to show his support to the Foundation and Jason.

“It is incredible to see so many young females turning up and playing different sports all thanks to Jason and his Foundation,” Said Betsen. “The appeal of sport lies in its ability to bring people from various backgrounds together.”

Following a very fruitful start to the partnership, Betsen was invited to the JRF’s Celebration Dinner in April to sit on the sofa panel with Jason Roberts, Michail Antonio and Kelly Sotherton.

The panel was asked questions about their professional sports career and Betsen proudly talked about what rugby has given him and his family.

His career includes 63 international caps for French, 172 caps for Biarritz Olympique and he finished his career in London playing 79 games for London Wasps.

“Seeing so many people supporting the Foundation is incredible and it gives me a great pride to be asked to be on the sofa.

“This is only the beginning of a great partnership which strives to deliver positive activities and role models in the heart of our communities to improve young people at risk no matter of race, ethnic or ability.”

St. George’s University, Grenada last Tuesday hosted the Liverpool Legends at a sumptuous cocktail reception held at Caribbean House on the True Blue Campus.

The gathering provided an opportunity for St. George’s University to thank the Jason Roberts Foundation and in particular the Liverpool Legends for generously donating their time and their talent to a week of activities including a fundraiser and football match between the Liverpool Legends and the Grenada Select XI.  The week of activities were geared towards raising awareness, support and funds of and for the foundations aims of,

“encouraging young people in sporting activity, which will contribute to improving health and fitness, self esteem, confidence and social inclusion; and to participate in learning programmes that will enhance educational achievement.”

Representing the Legends were: Phil Thompson, Bruce Grobbelaar, Rob Jones, Jason McAteer, Gary Gillespie, Mark Wright, Phil Babb, Michael Thomas, John Durnin, Mark Walters,’ Paul Walsh.  On behalf of the foundation were Otis Roberts, CEO of the foundation and Gary Mulcahey, Caribbean Development Manager among others.  From St. George’s University were, Dr. Dennis Paul, Vice Provost for Institutional Advancement, Mr. George McGuire, Associate Dean School of Arts and Sciences and Mr. Trevor Noel, Assistant Director of WINDREF.Dr. Paul took the opportunity to share a little about SGU’s history and the chancellor’s vision. He expressed his hope that the Legends and the Jason Roberts Foundation would “continue the good work they had started here in Grenada”

Mr. George Macguire enthusiastically welcomed and thanked the team for the “sharing their talent with Grenadians” adding that the team members were clearly not yet over the hill and invited them to make repeat visits.

Mr. Otis Roberts, CEO of the Foundation was effusive in his gratitude on behalf of the Foundation.

“SGU making available buses and accommodation at the University Club over the duration of the trip and hosting a cocktail party at Caribbean House was invaluable in the co-ordination of the Week of Action and helped to make it a huge success.”

He agreed that the relationship between the Foundation and the University started with the Chancellor who on being approached for assistance replied, “you mix the cake and we’ll help you bake it”.    Mr. Roberts continued, “all we’ve ever wanted, we got and more and we are grateful for this strong relationship.”

In a thank you letter to St. George’s University, Mr. Roberts applauded the week of activities as “an outstanding success with the highlight being the match day event” where over 2000 participants attended the game versus The Grenada Select XI.

The university has been a premier supporter of the Jason Roberts Foundation from its inception in 2007 providing support in the form of administration, accommodation, receptions, educational facilities to support programmes run by the foundation, physical practice areas and transportation to name a few.

St. George’s University remains committed in their mission to keep education as their highest purpose, through development of intellectual capacity, creativity and professionalism.  In this regard, an ideal partnership has been forged with the Jason Roberts Foundation which champions community and youth development through education, taking seriously the relationship between healthy bodies and healthy minds.