Proballer
Young people in Manchester face overlapping barriers including high youth unemployment (14.6%), disengagement from education, and low levels of physical activity.
These challenges impact not only their career prospects, but also their confidence, motivation, and overall wellbeing.
The Proballer League was developed to tackle these issues head-on — using football as a powerful tool to re-engage young people, promote healthy lifestyles, and build the skills needed for personal and professional growth.
What the programme does
Proballer League uses the universal language of football to connect with young people and guide them through a structured, engaging journey that blends sports coaching with life skills development.
The programme is designed not just to develop ability on the pitch, but to nurture leadership, discipline, and ambition off it. Through carefully designed sessions, participants strengthen their mindset, teamwork, and understanding of career pathways in the sports sector.
Coaching
High-quality football coaching that develops technical ability, strategic thinking, and collaboration
Workshops
Life skills workshops focused on goal-setting, emotional resilience, discipline, and positive mindset
Team Roles
…and responsibilities to promote leadership and accountability within group settings
Mentoring
… from professionals working in coaching, fitness, sports media, and management
Exploring Careers
…including routes into coaching, health and wellbeing, youth work, and entrepreneurship
The programme is delivered in a way that is trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally relevant — creating a space where young people feel motivated, supported, and inspired to succeed both on and off the pitch.
The change we hope to see
Proballer uses sport as a vehicle to develop character and leadership, supporting:
Building Skills
Teamwork, communication, and leadership are developed through football training and match play.
Personal Growth
Participants reflect on challenges, build resilience, and grow in discipline and determination.
Civic Responsibility
Through team roles and community-facing events, participants engage with wider social values and responsibility.
Social Mobility
Exposure to sports sector careers shows how passions can translate into future opportunities.
Wellbeing Support
Physical activity supports both physical and mental health in accessible, familiar formats.