Ian Robinson

Neighbourhood Engagement Coordinator Aston Villa Foundation. Football Black List Award Winner 2022, Premier League Kicks Local Legend 2022, Local Hero Awards - Sports Person of the Year 2025

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

About

Enthusiastic, self motivated individual who has experience, knowledge and is adaptable in challenging situations. A good communicator with proven interpersonal skills. Deeply committed to nurturing children's growth, focusing on both their cognitive and practical skills development. My contributions can be visibly seen through my creativity and the tangible initiatives I have spearheaded. These include creating pitchside workshops, which have provided engaging and educational experiences for participants. Developing volunteering booklets for participants, which have streamlined and enhanced their volunteering experience within the Premier League Kicks programme. Producing short films addressing critical issues such as knife crime and youth mental health, One of which was used on a match day at Villa Park to raise awareness and promote conversations. Each of these initiatives reflect my dedication to the Foundation's mission 'Working Together to Enrich Lives' and my ability to innovate in ways that make a meaningful impact. My dedication and ongoing commitment have enabled me to overcome the constant challenges of working within the forever changing landscape of engaging and empowering children in some of the most high need areas. I continually develop innovative and engaging approaches to capture the interest and imagination of participants, consistently exceeding programme targets and expectations year after year. I am committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact through my work, always striving to enrich the lives of every young person we engage with. My contribution and dedication are consistently recognised by school leaders, parents, and community stakeholders, who have witnessed the positive outcomes achieved through the programmes delivered. Through extensive experience supporting participants across a range of initiatives, I have provided young people with the guidance, skills, and opportunities needed to support their personal and professional development. By offering mentorship, encouragement, and tailored support, I have helped many participants progress into further education, training, and full-time employment opportunities within the Foundation and other respected organisations. My approach is centred on empowering young people to build confidence, realise their potential, and achieve sustainable positive outcomes for their future.

Experience

  • Aston Villa Foundation (16 yrs 11 mos)
    • Neighbourhood Engagement Coordinator
      May 2026 - Present · 3 mos

      Overseeing engagement for the 1874 Ladywood Project, supporting young people to access and participate in a wide range of sporting, educational, and community-based activities. Responsible for promoting positive relationships, encouraging personal development, and creating inclusive opportunities that promote confidence, wellbeing, teamwork, and social engagement.

    • Youth Engagement Coordinator
      Dec 2020 - Present · 5 yrs 8 mos

      Overseeing the Premier League Kicks programme, managing staff timetables and coordinating the delivery of engaging activities for young people. Responsible for organising tournaments, community events, and social action projects that promote inclusion, teamwork, personal development, and positive community engagement. Working collaboratively with staff, partners, and participants to ensure programmes are delivered effectively and create meaningful opportunities for young people.

    • Interventions Officer
      Sep 2019 - Dec 2020 · 1 yr 4 mos

      Supporting and empowering young people through community-based programmes, mentoring, education, and sport. Helping young people raise their aspirations, develop life skills, and reduce involvement in negative influences. Planning and delivering intervention-based programmes in schools and community settings. Leading Premier League Kicks sessions. Organising tournaments, enrichment projects, campaigns, and social action events Building positive relationships with schools, partners, parents, and local stakeholders

  • Assistant Coach at Pertemps Coachright Limited
    Apr 2000 - Mar 2001 · 1 yr

    Delivering football coaching sessions at schools throughout Birmingham from the ages of 8-15 yrs.