The Rio Ferdinand Foundation launches new partnership with The Jockey Club

A new initiative between the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and racecourse operator, The Jockey Club aims to help disadvantaged young people from the UK learn about racing and highlight it as an industry in which they may work. The launch will involve Sandown Park, Epsom Downs and Kempton Park racecourses with the Foundation already working with hundreds of young people in London each year. 

It is hoped they the initiative will then be rolled out more widely across Jockey Club racecourses as they engage with young people being supported by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation across the country. Initially, the programme will be aimed at 16- to 24-year-olds, offering them visits, open days and sessions with employers. The Jockey Club will showcase the varied range of employment opportunities within the industry. Mentoring and support will also be offered to the young people taking part, helping them gain training and qualifications to prepare them for a career in sport. 

Former Manchester United and England footballer, Rio Ferdinand, who founded the youth and community development charity, said: “I’m really excited that we’re going to be working with The Jockey Club to demonstrate to so many young people everything horseracing has to offer, both as a career path and a sport.

“Ten years ago we set up the Foundation and we’ve helped thousands of young people through education and employment, opening their eyes to the opportunities that are out there and helping them make the most of the skills and talent they have.”

The partnership will play an integral part in the Rio Ferdinand Foundation’s #NotBoxed campaign, which features a number of events and opportunities to drive new investment and support from business and government and includes industries ranging from construction and sport to music and entertainment.

Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, added: “By working with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation we aim to introduce racing to a group of young people who have never previously considered it as a pastime or an industry to work in. My colleagues across The Jockey Club come from a significant range of backgrounds and this initiative will help highlight that it’s not essential to want to work directly with animals or to have a racing background to have a career in the sport.”