Wednesday 18th June 2025
What a day it was as The Players’ Project Pilot continued its powerful journey, this time with Zesh Rehman and 17-year-old Yahya Idrissi stepping into the heart of the local community at Bridgestone Arena to connect with over 100 young people through football, conversation, and shared experience.
The Players’ Project Pilot which is supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) aims to build stronger connections between players, communities and football clubs by putting players at the heart of local projects that help tackle inequalities, raise aspirations, develop thriving communities, and inspire positive change.
For Zesh, the moment held deeper meaning. “It’s been almost 20 years to the day that I used to come here for pre-season,” he reflected. “Now I get to pass that energy on.” A full circle moment for the former Premier League defender, whose journey from local pitches to the highest level has paved the way for the next generation.
Alongside him was Yahya Idrissi, a rising talent at just 17, who took time out of his own pre-season to engage with the youth, not just with advice, but on the pitch too. He jumped into 1v1s, took part in challenges, and gave the young people someone they could relate to, both as a player and as a person navigating the journey they’re just beginning.
The day also gave us the chance to meet Yahya’s father, Abdul, who spoke with pride and purpose about how vital it is for players to stay connected with their communities, not just for the benefit of the young people, but for the players themselves. “It keeps them grounded,” he shared. “It reminds them who they’re doing it for.”
Also present was Riz Rehman, PFA Player Inclusion Executive, who reinforced the importance of players staying active in their communities. He spoke on how the foundation provides a safe, trusted space for meaningful interaction, a place where young people can feel seen and supported, and where players can give back in ways that go beyond football.
It was a chance for the next generation to see what’s possible, both on and off the pitch.
The evening wrapped up with some well-earned pizza for the young people, a simple but fitting way to end the day.
Attached below is the video recapping the day
