In the episode both Stjon and Marcus discuss how their roles and mentoring style were shaped by their experiences and role models growing up, as well as how, even as adults, they still look up to influential people to help guide them through the harder times.
Marcus works on the Inspires programme, partnered with the Premier League.
City Inspires aims to use the appeal of Manchester City to work with secondary school learners who are at risk of not reaching their potential, and to support them through the education system and into early adulthood.
Stjon works on the City Thrive programme. CITC’s City Thrive programme aims to promote positive mental health for young people aged 14-25.
A dedicated team has developed a mental health curriculum, combining specially adapted football sessions with one-to-one mentoring and group workshops on mental health awareness to improve mental wellbeing.
Talking in the podcast Marcus discusses his grandad’s resilience that inspired him.
“My grandad came over on the Windrush and he could have easily given up, and I feel without that resilience to keep going I too could have easily given up,” Marcus said.
Stjon meanwhile touched on how he would be encouraging his younger self to be proud of who he is: “I’d be saying to my younger self to be proud of who you are, don’t shy away from anything.”
As well as celebrating Black History Month, CITC are also focussing on the importance of mentoring in the build-up to National Mentoring Day on October 27.
Keep an eye out for another WeAreCITC story as part of National Mentoring Day.
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/CITC or follow the charity on social media @CITCmancity.
