Case Study: Travis – A Pathway of Growth Through Mansfield Town Community Trust

Travis’s journey with Mansfield Town Community Trust is a strong example of how local programmes can build confidence, create new opportunities, and inspire young people to think about their futures in a different way.

His first experiences with the Trust came through attending holiday camps and Premier League Kicks sessions—free football programmes that are open to all young people. “I enjoyed being allowed to play football with new people for free,” Travis says. “You get to meet people of different ages and play in front of good coaches.”

In 2023, the Trust’s presence in Travis’s life became more personal. Through the Aspire mentoring programme, a member of the Community Trust team began working with him directly in his school. “Travis first engaged with us through the Aspire Mentoring Programme in 2023, where he received targeted support aimed at building confidence, resilience, and personal growth,” explains Macauley Short, Schools Officer at the Trust. “As he progressed, Travis became involved in our Premier League Kicks sessions at the One Call Stadium.”

The mentoring gave Travis a safe space to talk and develop. “It helped relieve my stress and gave me someone to talk to,” he says. “At first they were strangers, but I got to know them, and they helped with my confidence.”

His involvement continued to grow. Earlier this year, Travis completed a four-day work experience placement with the Trust. He took part in a wide range of activities—shadowing coaching staff, refereeing matches, setting up equipment, running football drills and supporting delivery in schools. He also worked with people with disabilities as part of the Trust’s Active Minds programme.

“I’m proud that I was able to teach and entertain children at schools,” Travis says. “I also had great conversations with people in Active Minds. It felt good to be involved and give something back.”

Travis chose to do his work experience at the Community Trust because of the positive support he’d received over the years. “Everyone here is nice and welcoming. I like helping children and meeting new people—and I love football.”

Looking back, he recognises how much he’s grown. “These programmes gave me chances to speak to people from different backgrounds,” he says. “It’s helped my confidence and taught me to listen and learn from others.”

“Travis’s journey reflects our core mission at Mansfield Town Community Trust,” says Macauley. “To provide continuous, meaningful opportunities that support the personal and educational development of children and young people.”

Travis is now considering an apprenticeship after his GCSEs. While his future plans are still taking shape, the support from the Community Trust has helped him build strong foundations.

His advice for others? “Be curious and ask questions. There’s so much to get involved in, and loads of new experiences to try.”