Evan's Story
Traditional school settings hadn’t worked for Evan, but since joining the Junior Apprenticeship programme and developing a close bond with his Foundation mentor, his outlook on education has now changed.
Ibby was stabbed walking through his local community in what proved to be a case of mistaken identity.
Ibby’s social environment was the streets of Splott where he would often witness anti-social behaviour and drugs being used.
After he was stabbed, the impact on Ibby and his family was huge, they did not feel safe where they lived and relocated to the Ely area of Cardiff.
Months later, Ibby connected with the Premier League Kicks project and started attending regular sessions.
Kicks gives thousands of young people across South Wales access to free football and sport sessions, as well as delivering workshops on healthy lifestyles, employability, and the dangers of violence, drugs and alcohol. Kicks provided Ibby with a safe and trusted environment.
"When I was stabbed I thought I was going to die. I’ve come a long way since then and volunteering for the Foundation really helped, it gave me a purpose.
"I want to follow in the footsteps of the coaches by acting as a role model for young people. I want to give back to the community I live in and teach others how they can be safe and street smart."
He now wants to help other young people at risk of getting caught up in violence and crime and is a valued volunteer at his local Kicks site.
Through volunteering, Ibby has connected with his local community and is a positive role model for others.
The Foundation supported Ibby to progress and achieve the qualifications he needed to study at college.
