Over 100 young people were invited to the fourth annual Celebrating Excellence event at Old Trafford, hosted by Foundation in collaboration with creative organisation Nusole Presents. Students were able to interact with industry leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds, who shared their experience and offered careers advice and opportunities.

Reds legend Wes Brown was in attendance, supporting the event for the second time since its inception in 2021, and offered insight from his childhood and career.

Wes said: “It's getting bigger and better every year and that's the best thing for the students – that opportunity to get expert advice. They've got so many questions, and you can see their confidence building throughout the day. When I was a kid, you didn't know there were many options, so these days allow you to access that information and realise there are so many things you can do.”

Rapper Avelino was another special guest for the day, surprising the young people and taking part in a Q&A to their delight. He also shared his experience of growing up in an ‘environment of street culture’, before overcoming adversity to progress his music career.

Avelino said: “Being a part of events like this gives me encouragement to continue to lead by example. If you can change your story into something to inspire others, that’s what life is all about. I grew up in a negative culture and experienced violence, but I saw something better for myself, and I found it in music.”

Participants also had the opportunity to speak to representatives from sectors such as the Armed Forces, banking, barbering, music production, content creation, sports and leisure, aesthetics and catering, with the event aiming to increase students’ awareness of opportunities in a range of industries. It is hoped that the event acts as a catalyst for further independent and active research into career progression pathways.

Luke Ross, a School Partnership Coordinator for the Foundation and founder of the ‘Celebrating Excellence’ event, said: “We've brought students together from 13 different partner schools and many diverse backgrounds. The idea behind today is to inspire the young people, uplift them and leave them feeling like the world is their oyster.”

The impact of the event was clear to see, especially to Sian from The East Manchester Academy who already has her own hair business at the age of 15. She said: “They gave us lots of advice, including to do what brings you joy. I would like to be a corporate lawyer, and it makes me feel like I have many opportunities in the future.”