Palace for Life and Premier League showcase employment Youth Hub

This week, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, visited Selhurst Park to find out more about how we’re supporting young people through our Youth Hub.

McFadden was welcomed with a tour of the stadium by our CEO Mike Summers and Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer Clare Sumner, before taking part in a roundtable with partners and young people who have benefitted from the Youth Hub. The visit finished at a live Youth Hub session, where he met participants and saw first-hand how the support is helping them take steps towards employment.

Pat McFadden visited one of our employment Youth Hubs to see them in action

We have been running the Youth Hub in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) since October 2024, which take place twice a week at Selhurst Park. Each session offers young people one-to-one coaching, CV and interview preparation, digital job search and budgeting skills, along with links to housing, mental health and training support.

Hosting alongside Palace for Life was The Premier League. Their Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer, Clare Sumner spoke about the Premier League’s support for Youth Hubs:
“The Premier League is proud to support the expansion of Youth Hubs so young people, whatever their background, can access the opportunities, support and inspiration they deserve.

Between 2022 and 2025, the Premier League has invested £1.6 billion into wider football and communities, helping support people of all ages who need it most, and create more chances for young people to learn and grow. By working in partnership with Government on the Youth Guarantee, we can build on this foundation and ensure Youth Hubs offer even more opportunities to help young people thrive.

“Together we are showing how football is more than a game, reaching those who need support most, helping them fulfil their potential and strengthening communities nationwide.”

McFadden, Sumner and Summers spoke about the impact of employment Youth Hubs in South London and beyond

Many of the young people supported by the Youth Hub have been referred by DWP Work Coaches and local partners such as colleges, housing services and youth justice teams. Since launching, the Hub has already helped 400 young people across 38 sessions, with demand continuing to grow.

The roundtable discussion brought together representatives from Palace for Life, the Rugby Football League, the EFL, national media and other Youth Hub partners and was also a chance to hear from two young people who have directly benefitted from the programme with us.

First to tell her story was 18 year old Erin, who joined our hospitality course after being referred by her work coach. She built her confidence and skills, gained work experience at a local pub and has since secured her first job as a bartender.

Whitney, 22, also shared her story. She first came to the Youth Hub through the Movement to Work scheme and was unsure about her career path. With our support, she discovered a passion for customer service and administration, grew in confidence and began helping to run sessions at the Hub. She is now on the reserve list for a DWP Administrative Officer role.

The Youth Hub is part of a wider national network that will almost double in size following new investment. Every Premier League club charity is now working with government to explore how football can open doors for young people, with EFL in the Community and the Rugby League also joining the partnership.

To help us get more young South Londoners into work, you can donate here.