What will I be doing?

Our young people’s needs vary considerably but as a volunteer mentor you may be involved in helping them with:

• filling in forms
• basic skills development
• preparing for an interview
• confidence and self esteem development
• housing issues
• life skills
• provide advice and a listening ear
• provide support to a young person at events or activities.

How does it work?

• You will be matched with a young person who you will meet with on a regular basis. You will develop a supportive relationship with the young person, based on respect, listening and encouragement.
• You will support the young person in developing the confidence, skills, potential, talent and community that they’ve been developing throughout their time with AIR Football.
• You will support and assist the young person to identify and engage in education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities.
• You will provide personal support, guidance and encouragement to help sustain the young person’s motivation.
• You will support the young person to access opportunities and networks within their community and provide encouragement and support for them to achieve their goals.

By being part of the mentoring programme you will help AIR Football to achieve the following objectives:

• Contribute to the increasing self-image, self-esteem and social confidence of young people and their sense of being able to determine the path their lives are taking.
• Encourage young people to believe in and achieve their dreams and reach their full potential through developing, understanding and utilising their strengths.
• Increase access to social, cultural, educational and employability opportunities available to young people.

What skills will I need?

We hope that our Volunteer mentors come from all walks of life and represent a wide spectrum of the local community and society at large. We don’t require formal qualifications or mentoring experience, we are really looking for individuals who have a genuine commitment to working with young people, are motivated by supporting positive development and have the time to spend regular quality time with a young person.

AIR Football would like to recruit volunteers who are:

• Over 21
• Mature and keen to help others develop.
• Interested in and able to relate to the issues faced by vulnerable young people.
• Able to undertake training / induction.
• Keen to share their skills and experiences with young people.
• Able to provide appropriate information and advice or have the skills to help young people access them.
• Able to spend on average 1-2 hours per week with a young person.
• Able to recognise and value the skills, abilities which young people possess, and to mentor these qualities in a positive and empowering way.

• You will need to commit to attending an individual induction session and volunteer training in advance of being matched with a young person.
• A minimum of one hour a week with a young person.
• You may be invited to attend a review session with the young person and AIR Football staff.

What support will I get as a mentor?

• An individual induction session.
• Training before you are matched with a young person.
• You will have the opportunity to access a range of training within AIR Football or with some of our local partners.
• Regular support from an AIR Football member of staff when you need it.
• You will be reimbursed for travel and other relevant expenses.

What can I expect in return?

Being a mentor with AIR Football will give you a fantastic opportunity to really develop your personal skills, experience and confidence. It will also enable you to put your own experience and skills to good use in helping young people achieve their goals. We hope you will find it fun and rewarding as you can have a huge influence on the life of a young person. Volunteering is also a great way to add something extra to your CV.

Where will I be based?

• You will be working with a young person in a local London Borough. We will work with you to pick an area that suits you best.

What’s the application process?

• First get in touch by calling us on 07962 374021 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• We will then provide you with a Volunteer Application Form.
• After you have completed this, we will arrange for you to have an initial informal interview to discuss being a volunteer mentor in more detail.