“HELPING CHILDREN GAIN CONFIDENCE, CITIZENSHIP AND SELF-RESPECT THROUGH SPORT”
- LEE CANOVILLE (FOUNDER)
Welcome to Brighter Futures Through Sport – a Nottingham-based charity committed to harnessing the transformative power of sport for the mental wellbeing of young minds. A deep-seated belief in the positive impact of sports on mental health and a dedicated passion for the social welfare of children fuels our mission.
At Brighter Futures, we understand the challenges young people face today, and we've crafted a unique approach to address these issues. Through personalised one-on-one mentoring, our dedicated team works tirelessly within and beyond the classroom to cultivate and enhance essential soft skills in children, utilising sport to foster self-reflection and communication.
Our mentoring sessions create a safe space for open dialogue about emotions and actions, enabling children to learn from their experiences and build critical qualities such as confidence, self-awareness, and self-worth. Whether a child is experiencing a problematic home environment, dealing with medical challenges or underdevelopment, or facing general disruptiveness, we invest time and effort to establish meaningful relationships that aim to unlock the full potential of each individual we work with.
Since our inception in 2018, we have expanded our reach from just four schools to partnering with over 30 schools, positively impacting the lives of more than 400 children every week. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for children’s wellbeing services tenfold, and we are on a mission to bridge the gap and meet the rising needs of our community. As a crucial link between educators and healthcare professionals, we play a vital role in providing essential support services to teachers and the NHS. Now, more than ever, we rely on your support to continue making a difference. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the wellbeing of local children…
Join us in our journey to create Brighter Futures Through Sport.
MEET OUR AMBASSADORS
With an extensive professional football career behind him spanning 19 years, Guy has remained close to the game and is an elite recruiter and coach, offering those he works with guidance and mentorship both on and off the pitch. With a focused commitment to personal growth, he is keen to see young people adopt positive mindsets and pursue their dreams.
GUY BRANSTON
Most recognised for his Premiership career at Nottingham Forest FC, Jason is now the Equality and Diversity Executive for the PFA. His personal experiences in the spotlight prepared him for this role in understanding mental wellbeing and emotional challenges. He is also the host of the Absolute Lee podcast, where mental health within sport is often highlighted and discussed at length.
JASON LEE
STEVEN REID
With 200 Premier League appearances and a successful stint as a manager for Nottingham Forest FC, Steven felt compelled to leave football behind him and study to become a mental health counsellor. His own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks led him to pivot his career, and he is now passionate about bringing the conversation to the forefront of not just football but all sports.
JERMAINE PENNANT
Once the youngest Gunner to start for Arsenal, Jermaine has experienced the highs and lows of fame and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. With a deep understanding of the impact of a troubled childhood and an adult diagnosis of ADHD, he is ardent about giving young people the tools to understand themselves and to see them strive for a bright future.