Former Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell joined YGAM in 2019 as our first ever charity ambassador. Marvin had a successful career in professional football playing at the top level for Bolton Wanderers and Burnley. The striker also played for Watford, Coventry and Burton Albion as well as being selected to play for Team GB during the memorable London 2012 Summer Olympics.

Marvin shocked the football world by announcing his retirement from professional football at the age of just 28 citing his mental wellbeing as a major factor behind his decision. Since his retirement in 2018, Marvin has set up a number of businesses and helped raise awareness of issues related to mental health in football.  Marvin has been involved with the charities CALM and linked up with HRH Duke of Cambridge as part of the national Heads Up campaign led by the FA and Heads Together.

Marvin supports YGAM on a voluntary basis to provide valuable insight to inform our education programmes with a focus on mental health.

Speaking his role, Marvin said: “I’m delighted to become an ambassador for YGAM. This is a fantastic charity led by some inspirational people in Lee, Anne and Keith. I joined the YGAM away day a few months ago and I was blown away by the passion and enthusiasm of everyone that works to deliver their education programmes.”

Marvin further adds, “It’s amazing to see teachers, parents, youth workers and people with lived experience come together to safeguard future generations. It is very pleasing to see education around mental health form such a pivotal part of their resources. I’ve also been really impressed with their collaborations with football club community trusts and I’m looking forward to supporting their great work.”