Inspiring pupils. Supporting players. Starting real conversations.

Mindset United brings professional and recently released footballers into schools to speak honestly about pressure, rejection, mental health, and the mindset needed to succeed — on and off the pitch.

We are a Community Interest Company (CIC) with a mission to support young people through storytelling, mentoring, and lived experience.

Why Schools Choose Mindset United

Relatable speakers: Our footballers speak openly about their experiences — no scripts, no spin.

Curriculum-linked impact: Sessions align with PE, PSHE, and whole-school wellbeing aims.

Safeguarded delivery: Every speaker is DBS-checked, trained, and supported.

Funded access: Most visits are eligible for PE & Sport Premium or enrichment budgets.

Real change: We create honest, engaging spaces where pupils feel seen and heard.

What Pupils Gain

  • Increased confidence, resilience, and motivation

  • A deeper understanding of mental health and emotional pressure

  • Exposure to real-world stories of challenge, growth and identity

  • The chance to ask questions and connect with someone who’s “been there”

What a Visit Looks Like

Format:

  • 60-90 minute day (assembly or classroom style)

  • 1 speaker from professional football backgrounds

  • Optional Q&A or pupil feedback activity

Content:

  • Speaker’s personal story: the dream, the rejection, and rebuilding

  • Conversation around identity, confidence and pressure

  • Encouragement to think about mindset, resilience and self-worth

Includes:

  • All safeguarding checks

  • School briefing before the visit

  • Optional follow-up ideas for PSHE/PE

  • Post-visit impact summary

Our Safeguarding & Vetting Process

Mindset United takes safeguarding seriously and works closely with each school to ensure every visit is safe, appropriate, and fully risk-assessed.

We commit to the following:

  • All visits are supported by a full risk assessment

  • We liaise with your DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) or pastoral lead in advance to brief on speaker background, content, and any sensitivities

  • Where required, we provide speakers who are fully DBS-checked

  • Some of our speakers may not hold a current DBS, as they are active or recently released players not yet working in education

In these cases, we request that the school provide a chaperone or member of staff to accompany the speaker throughout the visit.

We are transparent, flexible, and committed to aligning with your school’s safeguarding policies. If your school requires DBS-checked speakers only, just let us know when booking.

Feedback from Schools

“The most honest and useful session we’ve ever had. The kids didn’t stop talking about it.”
— Assistant Head, South London

“It opened up conversations we’ve struggled to have for years — especially with the boys.”
— Year 10 Head of Year

“He said it was the first time he saw someone like him talk about feeling lost. That stuck.”
— Pastoral Lead, Year 8

Funding the Visit

Mindset United visits are designed to be affordable and accessible.

Most schools use:

  • PE & Sport Premium

  • PSHE or enrichment budgets

  • External wellbeing grants

If cost is a concern, let us know — we’re committed to access and can help source funding support where possible.

Book a Visit

We currently deliver visits in London and the South East, with plans to expand nationally.

Email: bookings@mindsetunited.co.uk

Based in London | CIC No.
bookings@mindsetunited.co.uk

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