Marcus Rashford has helped to create a new programme to help young people feel confident about finances. The footballer has teamed up with NatWest and the National Youth Agency for the Thrive Programme.
It is being trialled at youth community centres across England to help address the lack of financial confidence and concerns that young people face today. NatWest said it came after research showed 80% of young people believe they will never be financially secure.
It is being launched as a pilot at three youth community centres in Manchester, London and Sunderland this week, with plans to extend it to others across the country this summer. Rashford returned to one of the launch venues this week - the Norbrook Youth Club in Wythenshawe, which he attended growing up and continues to support - to discuss and further refine the programme with NatWest CEO Alison Rose and the National Youth Agency.
The footballer said of the launch: "A lot of kids are scared to go to a bank, and that’s not surprising because they don’t teach you about money mindset at school. For those who grew up in the sort of area that I did, it’s about what you don’t have, rather than what you could achieve.
"The positive and empowering element doesn’t register in their heads. It’s not hard to reverse that, but not many people are trying to change that.
"It’s why I’m proud to work with NatWest on the Thrive Programme. I know so many talented young people who could really benefit from a program like this, who could actually propel themselves into something much bigger and achieving their goals. I’m really excited to be involved and to help shape the program."
The programme will be led by youth workers. Topics will include money mindset, how to set goals for life achievements, talking about money within relationships and busting myths around money.
The programme will see workshops and activities designed to speak to young people in a way they can relate to. It will include discussion and practical examples instead of formal textbook-led education.
Alison Rose, CEO of NatWest said: “Helping young people – no matter what their background – to thrive and develop a positive money mindset is core to our purpose and what I want us to achieve as a bank. We know education through inspiring relationships can have a big impact on young people, that’s why with the Thrive Programme we’ll be working with local and relatable people within the community to help young people reach their potential.
“Co-creating this programme with Marcus has helped us to better tailor our content to the real-life experiences of young people, and has only reinforced the amazing impact that positive role-models and peers can have in helping to develop an understanding of money and goal-setting.”
Leigh Middleton, CEO of the National Youth Agency said, “We are delighted to be partnering with NatWest and Marcus Rashford to design and deliver such an important programme. All young people deserve to thrive; high quality youth work gives young people access to that one inspirational adult that can make the difference growing up.
"Youth workers provide safe spaces to explore their identity, increased self-confidence and develop the life skills to thrive growing up. The Thrive Programme will provide youth workers with fantastic resources, toolkits and knowledge to continue transforming the lives of young people and enable them to reach their potential.”
