FAME Foundation, in collaboration with Manchester City and Midea, delivered a four-day Young Leaders Training in Lagos State under the theme “Make Yourself at Home.” The program engaged 30 young people from diverse communities across Lagos, combining classroom learning, football-based education, leadership development, and community engagement.

This project is part of our Play It Dream It initiative, a curriculum-based sports for development program that utilises sports, especially football, as a tool to build life skills, promote gender inclusion, and support youth leadership. The initiative links structured football activities with education, mentoring, and community engagement to equip young people, particularly those from underserved communities, with confidence, teamwork, and pathways for positive social impact.

The training commenced with a focus on leadership and dribbling. Participants were guided by Manchester City coaches, Mr. Dane Jones and Miss Kimoni Bell. Mr. Jones facilitated the football session, introducing the fundamentals of dribbling and highlighting the importance of proper warm-up routines, technical drills, and the practical application of skills during small-sided games. The session addressed confidence, ball control, decision-making, and match awareness. In the classroom, Miss Bell led discussions on leadership, covering communication, teamwork, confidence, empathy, and emotional well-being, and how these qualities support both personal growth and performance on the field. Participants later transitioned to the pitch, where they applied leadership principles alongside football drills. The day concluded with reflections and feedback.

Day Two focused on adapting and inclusivity. Participants explored how sport can be used to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments. Sessions addressed ways to adapt football activities to suit different abilities, learning styles, and backgrounds. Practical exercises allowed participants to test inclusive coaching methods, improving their ability to communicate effectively, respond to diverse needs, and encourage participation across varying skill levels.

The third day was dedicated to the community project pitch. From the first day of the programme, participants were tasked with developing a community project that responds to a challenge within their local environment. Working in groups, they designed project concepts, outlined implementation plans, and prepared presentations. Each group presented its proposal to the coaches, our Executive Director, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, and the Midea Representative, and received constructive feedback. This process strengthened teamwork, problem-solving, confidence, and public speaking skills, while encouraging participants to view leadership beyond the football setting.

The programme concluded with a Community Festival. Children from football academies across Lagos were invited to participate in activities facilitated by the trained young leaders. Participants led football drills, games, and leadership exercises, incorporating inclusive play and teamwork principles. Manchester City coaches observed as the young leaders took responsibility for planning and delivering the sessions. The festival provided an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their learning through practical leadership and coordination.

Overall, the Young Leaders Training provided participants with practical skills, leadership knowledge, and experience in inclusive community engagement. Through classroom sessions, football activities, group work, mentoring, and the community festival, participants gained tools to positively contribute to their communities. The collaboration between FAME Foundation, Midea, and Manchester City reinforced the role of sport as a platform for youth leadership and community development.