EE has introduced a new Mentor Badge initiative aimed at supporting boys' personal and professional development both on and off the football pitch. The program, launched in partnership with the youth charity Street League, seeks to combine mentorship with digital skills training to help young people build confidence and career prospects.
Program Details
The Mentor Badge is designed for boys aged 11 to 16 who participate in Street League's football-based youth work. Participants will engage in a structured program that includes one-on-one mentoring sessions, group workshops, and digital skills modules. The initiative aims to address the specific challenges faced by boys in this age group, including social isolation, lack of role models, and limited access to digital education.
EE's research found that 62% of boys aged 11-16 say they do not have a mentor they can turn to for advice. The program seeks to fill this gap by pairing each participant with a trained mentor from EE or Street League. Mentors will provide guidance on topics such as goal setting, communication, and resilience, while also helping boys develop digital skills like coding, online safety, and using productivity tools.
Impact and Reach
Street League already runs football sessions in over 100 locations across the UK, reaching thousands of young people. The Mentor Badge will initially be rolled out in 10 locations, including London, Birmingham, and Manchester, with plans to expand based on demand. EE has committed to providing 1,000 mentor hours over the next year, with the goal of reaching at least 500 boys.
According to Matt Sears, Director of Corporate Responsibility at EE, “We know that mentorship can be transformative for young people, especially boys who often lack positive role models. By combining this with digital skills, we’re helping them prepare for the future, whether that’s in football, tech, or any other field.”
Partnership with Street League
Street League uses football to engage disadvantaged young people, helping them gain skills and move into employment, education, or training. The charity’s CEO, Alex Smith, said, “The Mentor Badge is a fantastic addition to our program. It gives boys the chance to build relationships with adults who believe in them and learn skills that will open doors. We’re thrilled to partner with EE on this.”
The initiative also includes a digital component where participants can earn badges for completing online modules, which they can showcase on their CVs or social media profiles. This gamified approach is intended to keep boys engaged and motivated.
Broader Context
The launch comes amid growing concern about the mental health and educational attainment of boys, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. A 2023 report by the Children’s Commissioner found that boys are more likely to fall behind in school and less likely to seek help for mental health issues. EE’s initiative is part of a broader trend of corporate social responsibility programs targeting youth development.
EE has also committed to training its own employees as mentors, with over 200 staff already signed up. The company plans to use its digital expertise to create resources that can be shared with other youth organizations.
