Overcoming the Odds: Sohail Patel

Over the past 12 months Bolton Wanderers in the Community have provided employment opportunities for 10 young adults as part of our Employability provision. The Kickstart Scheme gives NEET young adults the opportunity to gain real life work experience over a period of 6 months while earning a wage at the same time.

In May 2021 Sohail took up a Kickstart role with the charity as a Community Coach after struggling to find work for 6 months. He had experienced significant barriers in relation to his health which had affected his confidence and he was looking to give back to the community by helping those who had been through similar situations themselves.

“I had a period of time where I was really struggling with my mental health, confidence and I was having more seizures due to my epilepsy. The opportunity with Bolton Wanderers in the Community came at a really good time and gave me the chance to try something new” – Sohail

As part of his Kickstart role, Sohail took part in a number of different CPD opportunities to help him develop his work routine and leadership skills. He completed a his BT Playmakers Certificate as well as his FA Level 1 coaching award to help him develop his delivery skills and is now leading sessions on our PL Kicks provision.

Throughout his Kickstart role, Sohail worked across a number of projects but it was clear that he excelled when working with young people who needed a little bit of extra support on our Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Inspires provision. His ability to engage our beneficiaries and his enthusiasm for supporting disadvantaged young people made him a really valuable member of the team. As a result, Sohail is now working for the charity as a permanent member of staff and is continuing to help inspire young people across the town.

“Working for Bolton Wanderers in the Community has helped me get out of my comfort zone, meet new people, develop my confidence and has had a really positive impact on my health. I’m enjoying every minute of it and can’t wait to develop my skills even further” – Sohail