In July, Foundation 92 delivered a Financial Literacy session to the Salford City FC Academy Scholars. The group learnt about financial management and tried their hand at weekly budgeting & other important tasks.
For one 18-year-old Salford City FC scholar, the dream of becoming a professional footballer is & has always been the ultimate goal. His days were spent training, studying match footage, and improving on the pitch. With money being something to think about later.
He admitted to having “little to no knowledge about money.” Budgeting, saving, and understanding pay slips were foreign concepts not because of a lack of interest, but because of the sheer dedication required to pursue a career in football.
With his first professional contract and paycheck on the horizon, the reality of adult responsibilities began to set in. Living independently, managing expenses, and making smart financial choices would soon become part of his daily life.
That’s when the Foundation 92 Financial Literacy Programme stepped in.
The course, Words that Count, developed in partnership with the National Literacy Trust translates the often-dull language of finance into something relevant, practical, and engaging. From understanding payslips to spotting scams, managing rent, and planning for the future, it offered a playbook for life off the pitch.
“Before the course, I didn’t really think about money at all,” the scholar admitted. “Now I feel like I’ve got a plan and the tools to manage it properly. It’s taken a weight off my shoulders.”
The transformation was striking. He now approaches his upcoming paycheck with confidence, knows how to separate needs from wants, and has a clear saving strategy in place. Most importantly, the anxiety about “getting it wrong” financially has eased — allowing him to keep his focus where it matters most, delivering his best performance for Salford City FC.
For Foundation 92, this is exactly the point. As the programme continues to reach young athletes, it’s proving that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers, it’s about safeguarding careers, building independence, and giving young players the stability they need to thrive on and off the field.
The Financial Literacy Programme plays a vital role in developing not just footballers, but well-rounded young adults. For scholars like this one, it prepares them for the realities of professional life with confidence and control.
Find out more about our education offer: https://foundation92.co.uk/our-work/education/