Pharrell’s Playbook: Building Skills On and Off the Pitch
Pharrell, a 19-year-old from South London, has always shown initiative in seeking out opportunities to grow—especially in football.
In 2024, he self-referred to Selhurst Park and began a journey of personal and professional development that would shape his future. While he had always been driven, Pharrell struggled with confidence. Through his involvement in several programmes, he not only built valuable skills but also found his voice.
In February 2024, Pharrell joined the ‘Skills for Coaching’ programme, delivered in partnership with the Street Soccer Foundation. This course was designed to support young people interested in football coaching, offering training in sports leadership while also promoting physical and mental well-being. For Pharrell, it was a turning point. He developed coaching skills, built confidence, and began to see himself as a leader.
His growth continued in April 2024, when he was selected to take part in an international exchange programme with Sport Dans La Ville. Alongside other young participants from Palace for Life Foundation, Pharrell spent 10 days in the South of France. The experience gave him a broader perspective, strengthened his confidence, and deepened his sense of global responsibility.
Pharrell also enrolled in the Training Ground 1-2-1 Mentoring Programme with Palace for Life Foundation. Working closely with a mentor, he refined his CV, crafted a tailored cover letter, and prepared for job applications. He took part in wellbeing and leadership sessions to strengthen his mindset and participated in mock interviews to sharpen his communication skills and receive constructive feedback.
EFL in the Community’s Training Ground programme is currently available to those aged 16-24 living within the Greater London Authority area and is an employability programme designed to support those seeking employment or further training. The Training Ground programme offers small groups the chance to receive one to one mentoring, participate in group workshops on topics such as life skills and money management, undertake work experience or volunteering in a range of contexts, to develop employability skills, and to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
The results speak for themselves. Pharrell secured a role with Reaching Higher, a youth charity, as an Advanced Sessional Worker. His development was further recognised when he was hired as a Premier League Kicks Coach for the West Ham United Foundation. These achievements reflect not only his hard work but also the impact of the support he received through the Training Ground programme.
He said: “It’s been wonderful! I’ve met so many great people, so many great coaches who helped me so much in my development. Helped me to be more confident, more myself and a different way to connect…”
To find out more about your nearest Training Ground programme, please contact your local Club using the list below.
