Latest News
Posted on October 15th 2025
Unlocking Potential Programme Surprises Local Youngsters
The Unlocking Potential programme, created through partnership between the Leeds United Foundation, NFL Foundation UK and San Francisco 49ers, continues to break new ground, creating greater access to educational and sporting opportunities for marginalised young people across Leeds.
On Sunday 12th October, over 30 children from Beeston St Anthony’s and Beeston Primary School travelled to London through the initiative, heading on an all-expenses-paid trip to the NFL London Games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Before arriving at the game, the group of youngsters took part in an Unlocking Potential activation at Harris Academy Tottenham, joined by some special guests, including ex-player Marquise Goodwin and Sourdough Sam from the San Francisco 49ers. Each child in attendance received a commemorative 49ers hoodie and also enjoyed a coaching session with the former NFL wide receiver, followed by a memorable signing session.
The trip concluded at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the children watched the New York Jets take on the Denver Broncos in the NFL, with the game ending 11–13 in favour of the Broncos. For many, it was their first-ever experience of live sport.
This event marks one of the first major activities in Year Two of the programme, which aims to inspire and engage more than 2,000 young people across Leeds throughout the year.
In April, Unlocking Potential celebrated its first year's success, hosting a commemorative coaching event at Leeds Beckett University in which more than 100 boys and girls from Beeston St Anthony's Primary School and Five Lanes Primary School took part, alongside attendees from the San Francisco 49ers and the NFL Foundation.
