Young People Leading Change: Genuine Futures Meets Bolton Wanderers in the Community CEO
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At Genuine Futures, we believe young people should have more than a voice—they should have a genuine seat at the table.
Last Friday, our team attended an important meeting with Ben Lawton, Chief Executive Officer of Bolton Wanderers in the Community, to continue discussions about creating more opportunities for young people across Bolton.
Attending the meeting were Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures; Mike Alleyne, Co-Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead; Luis Green, Youth Ambassador; and Paula Yates, Youth Ambassador and Creative Lead.
While the meeting focused on progressing plans for a major community initiative, what made the day particularly special was seeing a young person take the lead.
Nine Meetings Since 2023 – The Need for Action
Since 2023, Genuine Futures and Bolton Wanderers in the Community have met on numerous occasions to explore opportunities for partnership working and community impact.
This latest meeting marked the ninth discussion between the organisations.
The conversations have focused on shared priorities including:
- Youth employability
- Community engagement
- Early intervention
- Enterprise education
- Youth leadership
- Skills development
- Opportunities for young people facing barriers
While the relationship has remained positive, there has also been a growing desire to move beyond conversations and create tangible opportunities that young people can access today.
One of those opportunities is the proposed Big Pop-Up Charity Car Wash Event.
More Than Just a Charity Car Wash
The Big Pop-Up Charity Car Wash Event is about much more than cleaning cars.
The event aims to provide:
Real-world work experience
Employability skills
Enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities
Community volunteering
Confidence building
Positive youth engagement
Opportunities for local businesses and residents to get involved
Through programmes such as Boss Your Future, R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Young Futures, Clean Futures, and We Shine Any Car, Genuine Futures has seen how practical opportunities can transform lives.
For many young people, one opportunity can become a turning point.
Luis Green Takes the Lead
Rather than Sam leading the discussion, Youth Ambassador Luis Green stepped forward to represent the voices of young people.
Luis shared his perspective on why practical opportunities matter and why young people need more pathways into employment, training, enterprise, and community involvement.
Reflecting on the meeting, Luis said:
“I could understand the frustrations in the meeting, especially when so many meetings have taken place over the last few years.”
“Young people need opportunities now. Sometimes it feels like there is lots of talking but not enough action.”
“I wanted to explain why events like the Big Pop-Up Charity Car Wash are important because they give young people the chance to gain experience, build confidence, and be part of something positive.”
“I was pleased to be able to represent young people and help move the conversation forward.”
Luis’s contribution reflected exactly what Genuine Futures stands for—young people shaping their own futures and influencing decisions that affect them.
Sam Smith: “Young People Need Opportunities, Not Endless Meetings”
Reflecting on the discussion, Genuine Futures Founder Sam Smith said:
“We’ve now had nine meetings since 2023 because we all share the same goal of wanting better outcomes for Bolton’s young people.”
“But young people need opportunities, not endless meetings.”
“Watching Luis step forward and lead the conversation was one of the proudest moments I’ve experienced since founding Genuine Futures. It showed exactly why we believe in giving young people a genuine voice.”
“The Big Pop-Up Charity Car Wash Event isn’t really about cars. It’s about confidence, employability, enterprise, community, and showing young people what’s possible when somebody believes in them.”
Mike Alleyne: “Young People Must Be Part of the Solution”
Co-Director Mike Alleyne emphasised the importance of involving young people in decision-making.
“Too often, services are designed around young people rather than with them.”
“Luis demonstrated what happens when young people are trusted and empowered. He spoke confidently, respectfully, and passionately about creating opportunities.”
“If we want better outcomes for young people in Bolton, they must be part of the solution.”
Paula Yates: “It Was Great to See Things Behind the Scenes”
Youth Ambassador and Creative Lead Paula Yates also took part in the meeting and the stadium visit.
Paula said:
“I really enjoyed the meeting and the opportunity to visit the stadium. It was interesting to hear about the work taking place and to see behind the scenes at Bolton Wanderers.”
“The tour gave us a chance to learn more about the different opportunities available and helped us understand how organisations can work together to support young people.”
“It was encouraging to be part of the conversation and see young people being included in discussions about the future.”
Behind the Scenes at Bolton Wanderers
Following the meeting, Ben Lawton kindly took the Genuine Futures team on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
The tour provided a fascinating insight into the operations of both the stadium and Bolton Wanderers in the Community.
The team explored areas that supporters rarely get to see and learned more about the facilities, programmes, and opportunities available within the organisation.
One of the highlights of the visit came when Luis took part in a pitch-side interview overlooking the famous Bolton Wanderers pitch.
For a young person who previously spent long periods isolated at home and lacking confidence, it was a significant moment.
It demonstrated how far he has come and reinforced the importance of creating opportunities that help young people grow, develop confidence, and discover their potential.
Why Youth Voice Matters
Across the UK, more than one million young people are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
Many face barriers including:
- School exclusion
- Poor mental health
- Social isolation
- Lack of work experience
- Limited confidence
- Fewer entry-level opportunities
At Genuine Futures, we believe that prevention is better than crisis intervention.
By creating opportunities for young people to gain experience, develop skills, build relationships, and contribute to their communities, we can help prevent young people from becoming disconnected and disengaged.
That is why initiatives such as Boss Your Future, Clean Futures, We Shine Any Car, and R.E.S.T.O.R.E. Young Futures exist.
From Listening to Action
One of Genuine Futures’ key messages is simple:
It Starts With Listening.
However, listening must lead to action.
The most important outcome from this meeting wasn’t simply who attended.
It was seeing a young person confidently lead a discussion, represent his peers, and help move conversations towards practical solutions.
The visit highlighted the power of partnership, the importance of youth leadership, and the shared commitment to creating brighter futures for young people across Bolton.
As Genuine Futures continues its mission of Bridging the Gap to Opportunity, we remain committed to ensuring that young people are not simply recipients of change—but active leaders of it.
Because when young people are trusted, listened to, and given opportunities, incredible things happen.