This Easter Holiday, the Huddersfield Town Foundation delivered Premier League Changemakers, a football‑based leadership and wellbeing initiative designed to empower the next generation of young women, to 12 girls from Horbury and Ossett Academy.
The programme brought together pupils from Years 7 to 9 for a dynamic blend of physical activity, leadership development and social action. Sessions took place at Horbury Academy using both classroom space for theory and the school’s astroturf, sports hall and grass pitches for practical learning.
Premier League Changemakers is a national initiative delivered through football club community organisations, combining football, accredited leadership training and wellbeing support. Developed in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the programme helps girls build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of identity while challenging gender inequality and stigma.
Throughout the week, participants explored their own leadership styles, developed teamwork and communication skills, and began shaping ideas for social action projects that will create meaningful change within their communities. The group demonstrated outstanding enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment, embodying the spirit of the Changemakers programme and the values of the Huddersfield Town Foundation.
The Foundation remains dedicated to using the power of football to inspire young women across Kirklees, creating safe, inclusive environments where they can GROW, THRIVE and BELONG.
Sam Dainty, CEO of Huddersfield Town Foundation, said:
“The Premier League Changemakers programme represents an important part of our commitment to supporting the personal development and wellbeing of young people across our communities. It has been inspiring to see the pupils from Horbury and Ossett Academy engage so positively with the programme and demonstrate such strong leadership potential. Their enthusiasm, determination and willingness to challenge themselves reflect the values we strive to promote as a Foundation. We are proud to play a role in empowering young women to recognise their capabilities and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”
Carla Barrick, Community Engagement Manager at Huddersfield Town Foundation, said:
“Seeing the young women embrace the Premier League Changemakers programme with such energy, maturity and belief has been incredibly rewarding. Their willingness to step outside their comfort zones, support one another and explore what leadership means to them demonstrates exactly why initiatives like this are so important. Throughout the programme they have shown creativity, teamwork and a genuine passion for making a positive difference. Watching them grow both as individuals and as a collective has been a privilege, and the confidence they have developed will continue to benefit them long after the programme concludes.”
Founded in 2012, Huddersfield Town Foundation uses the power of OUR club to create opportunities, reduce inequalities and inspire lasting change for OUR community through the delivery of projects across Kirklees and the surrounding area.
The Foundation offers opportunities across education, health and youth engagement to deliver impactful, inclusive programmes that empower OUR TOWN to thrive.