Listen to Wayne Jacobs, former Bradford City footballer, talk about One in a Million (OIAM) — a pioneer charity and Academy School that leverages the power of football to transform the lives of young people in Bradford.
His reflection on his own career highlights how sport served as a tool to “overcome difficulties,” a core element of building High Levels of Human Capital (one of IEP’s 8 Pillars of Positive Peace). OIAM provides a “consistent” place of encouragement and focuses on the individual’s journey, equipping them with the self-discipline and focus needed to navigate life’s challenges and transforming them into active responsible citizens.
Wayne Jacobs’ story and OIAM’s mission illustrates how sport and education combined have the power to remove barriers to learning, well-being and self-confidence. Providing spaces of safety, support and encouragement when it is needed most proves that individual development is the first step toward social mobility. When a child moves from a state of vulnerability to becoming a “role model” within their own community, they embody the progress envisioned by SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
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