This case study highlights the journey of Annalea Lane and the long-term impact of Premier League Kicks and targeted intervention through Reading FC Community Trust. Annalea’s story demonstrates how sustained engagement, mentoring, and clear progression pathways can support young people to overcome significant challenges and achieve positive futures.
Background
Annalea, now 19, from Wokingham, first engaged with Reading FC Community Trust in 2019 through the Premier League Kicks project at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre.
At the time, Annalea was experiencing significant challenges. She struggled with behaviour in school, had poor attendance, and was at risk of permanent exclusion. Her lifestyle lacked structure, often staying out late and arriving late to school, which resulted in her being placed on a reduced timetable.
Outside of education, Annalea was associating with peers involved in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. She was vulnerable to exploitation and negative influence from older individuals in the community. Her self-esteem and confidence were low, and she was at risk of becoming fully disengaged from education and positive pathways.
Engagement with Premier League Kicks & Targeted Support
Despite these challenges, Annalea consistently attended Kicks sessions. The programme provided a safe, structured environment where she could engage positively, build relationships with staff, and develop a sense of belonging.
Recognising her needs, Annalea was further supported through the Kicks Targeted programme, receiving mentoring and tailored intervention. This approach reflects the programme’s aim to support young people at risk, improve wellbeing, and provide pathways into education, training, and employment.
In 2022, the Trust worked in partnership with her school to transition Annalea into the alternative provision hub. This marked a key turning point.
Re-engagement with Education
During 2022–2023 (Year 11), Annalea re-engaged with education in a supportive environment. Through structured support, mentoring, and consistent expectations, she:
- Improved her attendance and punctuality
- Developed better behaviour and emotional regulation
- Rebuilt her confidence and self-esteem
- Re-engaged with learning and worked towards the completion of her school journey
Alongside her education, Annalea began to give back—supporting younger students within the alternative provision and volunteering at holiday soccer schools.
Development Through Kicks
Annalea’s involvement in Premier League Kicks evolved from participant to leader. She:
- Regularly attended and volunteered at Kicks sessions
- Supported younger participants, particularly those from her local area
- Became a trusted and relatable role model within sessions
- Represented Reading FC at regional and national Kicks tournaments
Her confidence, communication skills, and leadership qualities developed significantly during this period. Staff noted that she was often viewed as part of the delivery team due to her maturity and commitment.
Post-16 Progression and Football Development
By 2024, Annalea successfully remained in education through to the end of Year 11, a significant achievement given the challenges she had previously faced. She then progressed onto the Reading FC post-16 education programme.
She continued to develop both academically and within football. During the 2025/26 season, she reached a major milestone by spending time playing for the Reading FC Women’s First Team, highlighting her progress and potential.
Workforce Development – From Participant to Volunteer
Now in 2026, Annalea volunteers within the Reading FC Community Trust Social Inclusion department, supporting:
- Premier League Kicks delivery
- Alternative Provision (RAP) sessions
- Mentoring of younger participants
In this role, she uses her lived experience to positively influence others, particularly those facing similar challenges. She has become a strong, relatable role model within her community.
Annalea’s journey clearly evidences the Premier League Kicks pathway:
Participant → Targeted Support → Alternative Provision → Post-16 Education → Volunteer → Employment (next step)
Progression and Future Aspirations
Annalea is now progressing towards becoming a part-time member of staff within the Community Trust.
She is also working towards gaining industry-recognised qualifications, including:
- FA Level 1 Coaching Qualification
- Safeguarding and First Aid
- Youth Work qualifications
These steps will support her long-term career within sport, coaching, and community development.
Impact
Annalea’s journey demonstrates several key outcomes aligned with Premier League Kicks objectives:
- Reduced risk factors: Moved away from negative peer groups and criminal influences
- Improved education engagement: Successfully remained in education through to the end of Year 11
- Enhanced wellbeing: Increased confidence, self-esteem, and emotional resilience
- Positive behaviour change: Improved attendance, punctuality, and engagement
- Development of life skills: Leadership, communication, teamwork, and responsibility
- Pathway to employment: Progression into volunteering and future paid work
- Creation of a role model: Supporting and inspiring younger participants within her community
Annalea is now contributing to stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities by supporting others on the same pathway she once followed.
Conclusion
Annalea’s journey is a powerful example of the long-term impact of Premier League Kicks and targeted intervention. From a young person at risk of exclusion and exploitation to a confident volunteer and aspiring member of staff, she embodies the programme’s vision of supporting young people to achieve their potential.
Her story demonstrates that with the right support, structure, and opportunities, young people can not only change their own lives—but go on to positively influence others.