On Wednesday 17th November, PFA Chief Executive, Maheta Molango, Community Liaison Executive, Dave Palmer and Player Inclusion Executive Riz Rehman attended the Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) launch of the new Inspire to Achieve Heritage project: Uncovering the Histories of the Footballers who Paved the Way in the borough of Brent.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the exciting new project will uncover the untold stories of 18 footballers from Brent who paved the way for future sportspeople, and will produce exhibitions, talks, and memory cafes along the way. Young people from Brent will benefit from the Inspire to Achieve project by honing their media, presenting, and production skills and will have the opportunity to meet and interview the former players as part of the collation of their oral histories.

PFA CEO Maheta Molango said, "It's a privilege for the PFA to be involved in such a fantastic project that we know will influence and inspire the next generation within the Brent area. The achievement and status of the many former players that will be involved in the programme is outstanding and their personal stories and journeys will have a huge impact on the community. Everyone associated with the Foundation should be immensely proud of this innovative heritage programme that will remember the great players from the area that paved the way for the current generation playing today."

Otis Roberts, CEO of the Foundation commented, “JRF would like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for believing in the project. Thanks to National Lottery players they have provided the opportunity for us to uncover these authentic stories from some of the unsung heroes of the game, some of whom arrived in Brent from distant shores and who achieved so much. These untold stories will be preserved for current and future generations, and we hope they too will be Inspired to Achieve their dreams and goals.”

He went on to say, “Brent is the home of Wembley Stadium which hosts major football matches, but the borough does not have a professional club in the area. It’s fitting that this project remembers and celebrates the players that paved the way for the likes of Raheem Sterling and Yannick Bolasie who were both raised in this wonderful borough.”