Whenever Rio Ferdinand needs inspiration, he recalls his mother. Raised on the Friary Estate in Peckham, south London, Janice St Fort was renowned for her selflessness. 'If a mum on the estate was in trouble, she'd step in and ask: ‘What’s going on?’' recounts the ex-Manchester United and England defender. 'She was a pillar of strength, someone people could always rely on.' Ferdinand proudly reflects on the accomplishments of his foundation, which his mother co-founded in 2012 and which has flourished since her passing seven years ago.
Collaborating with underserved communities, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation aims to create pathways to employment across various sectors. It's estimated that over 10,000 young people from the UK, Ireland, and beyond have benefited from its initiatives. 'I witnessed my mum tirelessly helping others, often at odd hours,' Ferdinand shares. 'This foundation feels like the natural next step in my life.' The journey began with a fundraiser hosted by James Corden during Ferdinand's time at United. 'I wanted to give back, but lacked the resources to make a lasting impact,' he admits. That changed with the appointment of Gary Stannett as CEO in 2019, who, along with his team, has forged partnerships with companies like BT Sport, Aston Martin, and Warner Music to create industry-specific opportunities.
'We realized we were engaging youth but not retaining them due to lack of job prospects,' Ferdinand explains. 'By aligning with industries where many young people aspire to work, like sports and entertainment, we've significantly improved our impact. Now, we're expanding far beyond football.' The foundation arranges work placements and encourages qualifications that open doors to chosen careers. Ralph Lauren, for instance, has onboarded four mentees on paid internships expected to lead to full-time roles.
'I once couldn't even enter shops like that,' Ferdinand reminisces. 'Seeing kids from my foundation gain access and opportunities in these companies is deeply fulfilling. The foundation's growth has surpassed my initial expectations.' In March, over 1,200 people welcomed Ferdinand and his wife, Kate, at an event in Sligo Rovers. Children from both sides of the Irish border participated in a football tournament, celebrating their progress with the foundation. Ferdinand coached one of the teams with characteristic intensity. 'The competitive spirit kicked in, and we won,' he laughs.
Darryl Forsythe, the foundation's Northern Ireland and Ireland programme lead, praises Ferdinand's rapport with young people: 'He's incredibly engaging and genuinely listens to their perspectives. In Sligo, kids were constantly calling out for autographs and photos, but he always made time.' Nine years post-retirement, Ferdinand's popularity remains strong, evident from the numerous selfies requested by fans, including two on-duty police officers.
The 45-year-old, now a pundit for TNT Sports, acknowledges the importance of his presence at events: 'People can spot insincerity or PR stunts. I've had intimate moments with foundation beneficiaries that have been deeply emotional. Seeing the joy and opportunities it brings is the most rewarding aspect.' The Beyond the Ball initiative, funded by the International Fund for Ireland, operates in eight regions along the border, promoting cross-community reconciliation through football and workshops, aiming to bridge sectarian divides and create employment opportunities.
'Some kids have never ventured beyond their neighborhoods, making this groundbreaking,' Forsythe notes. 'Our selected areas face high levels of deprivation and youth unemployment, exacerbated by inter-faith tensions. This initiative offers a glimpse into different parts of the country, using football as a powerful tool for integration.' Ferdinand adds: 'The cross-border conflict was a familiar topic from my youth. Visiting these areas, you feel the history. Creating a program that impacts these young lives is incredibly meaningful.'
A recent trip to South Africa saw the foundation deliver workshops to local children, with plans to extend similar opportunities to Cape Town's Cape Flats district. Ferdinand believes the scope of their work would make his mother proud: 'This was my mum's passion. While it's my initiative, it's also her legacy. I hope we can reach and uplift more young people, guiding them towards opportunities they might otherwise miss.'
