Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust will be represented at TEDxWatford on Saturday 18 July 2026, as Youth Engagement Officer Elliot Bird takes to the stage alongside Youth Board members Hannah and Jeffrey to share how trusted relationships, belief and opportunity can transform the lives of young people.
Taking place under the theme “All You Need Is Love”, TEDxWatford is an independently organised TEDx event which aims to bring together speakers from a wide range of backgrounds to share ideas and personal stories centred on human connection, compassion, purpose and positive change. The Trust’s talk will shine a light on the impact of the Premier League Kicks programme, demonstrating how football can be much more than a game. Premier League Kicks, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation, uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.
Without revealing the full story, the talk will explore how Hannah transformed her future after experiencing exclusion from mainstream education, finding confidence and purpose through volunteering and leadership opportunities with the Trust. Jeffrey will also share how Premier League Kicks became a place of belonging while balancing the responsibilities of being a young carer, helping him grow into a confident young leader who now supports others in his community.
Together, their stories highlight a simple but powerful message: when young people are seen beyond the labels placed upon them and given trusted adults, safe spaces and opportunities to thrive, extraordinary things can happen.
Elliot Bird, Youth Engagement Officer at the Trust, said:
“Through the stories of two remarkable young people, our talk explores how trusted relationships can unlock potential and change futures.”
To find out more about the event or reserve your place, visit the official TEDxWatford website here: https://www.tedxwatford.com/
To find out more about the Trust’s Premier League Kicks provision, please visit: https://www.watfordfccsetrust.com/project/premier-league-kicks/