Mentoring at Sport 4 Life UK

Mentoring is a one-to-one relationship that provides a safe space for you to talk and take positive steps toward to achieving your goals.

Whether you’re unsure about your next steps, looking for support with education or employment, or need someone to talk to, a mentor can be that consistent, positive presence in your life.

If you’re curious about how it all works, this guide will walk you through what to expect from your mentoring sessions — from your first meeting to the kind of support you’ll receive along the way.

If you’re not in education or employment right now, our mentoring is free, flexible, and built around your goals.

Our mentoring Programms

You don’t have to face things alone — your mentor is there to listen, support, and guide you.

Your first meeting with a mentor

Your first session is all about getting to know each other. It’s a relaxed conversation where you can talk about what’s going on in your life and what you might want help with. There’s no pressure and no expectations.

Typically, our mentors will:

  • Introduce themselves and explain how mentoring works
  • Ask questions to understand your goals, challenges, and interests
  • Listen to what’s important to you, at your pace
  • Work with you to begin shaping a plan for future sessions

You don’t need to have everything figured out — just being open and honest is a great start. The goal is to build trust and create a space where you feel comfortable and supported.

What a mentor can help you with

Every mentoring journey is different, but here are some common topics your mentor can support you with.

If you’re unsure what a mentor at Sport 4 Life means, visit our What Is Youth Mentoring page to learn more.

Remember, this isn’t a checklist; it’s just a starting point to help you feel more confident, focused, and ready to take your next step.

Build confidence and self-belief

Feeling unsure about yourself or your future?
A mentor can help you recognise your strengths, challenge self-doubt, and grow your resilience.

Stay motivated and focused

Finding it hard to stick to your goals?
Mentors offer regular encouragement and help you stay on track, even when life gets busy or difficult.

Talk through challenges

Got something on your mind?
Sometimes just having someone to listen makes a big difference. Mentors provide a safe, judgement-free space to talk openly.

Make a plan for the future

Not sure what’s next?
Your mentor can help you set goals and figure out the steps to get where you want to be — whether that’s education, work, or something else.

Build practical skills

Need help with interviews, CVs, or communication?
Mentoring can include support with key skills that help you move forward in work, training or life.

“Sport 4 Life helped me find a purpose.

Try it. What’s the worst that can happen?

All you have to do is give it a go”

read Connor’s story

What happens in a mentoring session?

Every mentoring journey is different, but typically, each session is shaped around what you need most, whether it involves talking things through, setting goals, or learning new skills.

Our mentors like to keep sessions relaxed, with one-to-one conversations tailored to your needs. There’s no pressure, no judgement — just a chance to talk things through, get support, and take positive steps forward.

A typical session might include:

  • Checking in – How have things been going since your last session?
  • Talk through what’s on your mind – Your mentor will listen, ask questions, and help you explore your thoughts.
  • Set or review your goals – You might look at progress or create new short-term actions.
  • Explore learning something new – Whether it’s a soft skill, a practical tool, or just a mindset shift.
  • Plan your next step – Agree on what you’ll do between now and your next session.

All our mentoring programmes are flexible and built around your goals.

Where do mentoring sessions take place?

We want you to feel comfortable and supported — that’s why we let you choose where your sessions happen.

Mentoring can take place in:

  • Local libraries
  • Coffee shops or community venues
  • Youth centres or schools (depending on your programme)
  • Online, via video calls

Wherever you meet, it’s a safe, one-to-one space where you can talk openly, reflect, and get support at your own pace. If you’re not sure what works best, we’ll help you figure that out when you get started.

Who will your mentor be?

At Sport 4 Life, our mentors are trained professionals who create a safe space where you can be yourself and feel heard. They’re someone who’ll listen, understand your situation, and help you figure out your next steps — all without judgment.

At Sport 4 Life, our mentors are:

  • Supportive and non-judgmental – You can talk openly and honestly without pressure.
  • Experienced and qualified – All mentors are skilled in youth work, safeguarding, and mental health awareness.
  • Understanding and relatable – Many have overcome their own challenges and understand what it’s like to feel stuck or unsure.

Mentoring is a partnership — you set the pace, and your mentor is there to walk alongside you as you work towards your goals.

At Sport 4 Life, A youth mentoring means having someone in your corner

Ready to take the next step?

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own— that’s what your mentor is for. If you’re facing challenges or need someone to talk to, mentoring can provide the support, encouragement, and guidance you need to take your next step with confidence.

If you think mentoring could help you, here’s what happens next:

  1. Get in touch – Fill in a short form to tell us a bit about yourself.
  2. We’ll have a quick chat – A friendly member of the team will get in touch to understand your goals and match you with the right support.
  3. Meet your mentor – Once matched, you’ll begin regular one-to-one sessions designed to help you move forward.

Taking the first step can feel like a big deal, but we’re here to make it simple. If you’re still unsure where to start, visit our mentoring programmes page to learn more — or sign up today to speak to one of our mentors (there’s no commitment).

Start your mentoring journey

giving you the confidence and skills you need to move into sustained education, employment or training

Frequently asked questions

 

Youth mentoring is a supportive, one-to-one relationship between a young person and a trusted adult who helps them build confidence, set goals, and take positive steps towards their future. At Sport 4 Life, our mentors are friendly role models who provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support to help you overcome challenges and achieve your potential.
Our mentoring is open to young people aged 11 to 29 who want support with education, employment, or personal development. Whether you're still in school, actively job hunting, or facing barriers to progression, we have a programme that can help. We also work with schools and employers to offer tailored mentoring in educational and workplace settings. You can sign up yourself or be referred by a teacher, parent, job centre, or support worker.
Our programmes typically last around 12 months, but it depends on your individual goals. Some people continue to receive support even after progressing into work or education.
A mentor is there to support you in achieving your goals—whatever they might be. This can include improving your confidence, building key skills like teamwork or communication, planning your next steps, or navigating challenges like job interviews or returning to education. At Sport 4 Life, our mentors take the time to understand your needs and work with you to create a personalised plan for your future.
Every mentoring journey is unique, but here's what you can typically expect:
  • Sign up online or through a referral partner
  • Meet your mentor, who will listen and help you understand your goals
  • Create a plan together, focused on personal and professional development
  • Take part in one-to-one sessions and optional workshops
  • Access continued support even after you've moved into work or education
Sessions can take place in person or virtually, depending on your situation and preferences.
No. Sport is part of our wider mission, but you don’t have to be sporty to take part. We support young people from all backgrounds, with or without an interest in sport.
Mentoring can take place in schools, online, in the community, or at one of our partner locations. We’ll work with you to find a time and place that works best for you.
While all our mentoring programmes are tailored to individual needs, each one is shaped around your environment—whether that’s school, work, or everyday life. The support is always one-to-one and focused on helping you achieve your goals.
No, our mentoring services are free for young people. In some cases, like workplace mentoring, costs may be covered by the employer.
It’s simple. You can sign up directly, refer a young person, or speak to your school or employer if they already work with us. Just head to our sign-up page or get in touch.

 

“Don took me under his wing. He sat and listened to each problem I had and we worked through different ways to help me. He didn’t seem like a mentor. He was more like a friend, which is sometimes what you need in this day and age a friend, not a mentor.”

Connor

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