When Kevin joined our school, his anxiety made attending extremely difficult. With consistent encouragement, understanding, and tailored guidance, he gradually built his confidence and discovered a passion for sports. Supported by the Futures Team, Kevin completed valuable work experience with Sunderland Football Club’s Foundation of Light, went on to achieve his Level 2 Coaching qualification, and is now employed as a football coach. Today, he proudly serves as a Futures Ambassador, inspiring other young people by sharing his remarkable journey and success.
In the Beginning
Kevin is autistic and experiences high levels of anxiety, which made attending mainstream school extremely challenging. When he first started at our school, his attendance was below 10%, and on the rare occasions he did attend, he would often refuse to eat. This lack of nutrition affected his energy levels and further reduced his ability to engage in learning.
Recognising the barriers Kevin faced, the team quickly transitioned him onto a part-time timetable, with a dedicated staff member escorting him from home to school each day. This consistent support helped to build his trust and confidence in the school environment. Over time, Kevin began to settle—by Year 9, he had progressed to travelling independently by taxi.
During this period, Kevin developed an interest in sports and began engaging in discussions about his future. With support from the school’s Careers Lead, he explored Post-16 options and started to express his aspirations for life beyond school. By Year 10, Kevin’s attendance had improved significantly. He was eating well at school, participating more fully in lessons, and had developed positive friendships with peers and staff alike.
The Journey
Kevin continued to be proactive about his future, meeting regularly with the Careers Lead to explore pathways that aligned with his passion for sport. The Futures Team enhanced this support by arranging opportunities for local businesses and organisations to visit the school and share insights into potential career routes.
One of these visits was delivered by Sunderland Football Club’s Foundation of Light. The session inspired Kevin, and he was subsequently offered a week’s work experience with their coaching team. This opportunity became a turning point. Kevin excelled during his placement and was invited to continue supporting Foundation of Light coaches in their weekly sessions at his school.
Throughout Year 11, Kevin maintained this involvement, balancing his studies with coaching support. His confidence and leadership skills flourished, and he was appointed as a Prefect, a role he carried out with pride. By this point, his attendance had risen to 95%-100%, a remarkable transformation from his early school years.
When Kevin left school, he was a completely different young person: independent, motivated, and ambitious. He began a Level 2 Coaching course with the Foundation of Light while maintaining close contact with the school’s Futures Team. The continued guidance from his dedicated Talent Manager helped him develop a strong CV and prepare for employment.
Futures Ambassador
Kevin’s hard work and perseverance led to a job as a football coach at a local college with the Foundation of Light. His journey from anxious school refuser to confident professional coach serves as an incredible example of resilience and the power of tailored support.
Today, Kevin proudly serves as a Futures Ambassador for our Group. He regularly returns to school to share his story with current pupils, offering encouragement and hope to those facing their own challenges. His next goal is to visit more schools and inspire young people across the region by showing how far he has come, and how much is possible with the right support, determination, and belief.