Premier League Inspires helps Jenson open up on the challenges he’s faced
Through Premier League Inspires, Swansea City AFC Foundation has been supporting 13-year-old Jenson through one-to-one mentoring sessions at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Having faced a number of challenges in his young life, Jenson had lost confidence and was no longer the joyful character his family and friends had become accustomed to.
That’s when Jenson’s mother, Vicky, sought help from Swansea City AFC Foundation to help the teenager find a way forward.
“Growing up Jenson’s had a few problems,” said Vicky.
“He was deaf until he was four-years-old, so he has delayed speech. He’s had to deal with a lot of people passing away so he’s quite withdrawn because of that.
“He then had problems in school where something was put on social media and it affected him quite badly, to the point where he wouldn’t come out of his room. He was ignoring us, crying.
“But then we found out about the Swans Foundation, and their sessions which can help him.
“He came home from the first session bouncing, he was happy, laughing, joking with his brother and sister, which we had not seen in a long time. He was just the old Jenson we knew, from the very first session.
“Talking to somebody else who will just listen, someone who isn’t family or friends, about the problems he faced was a massive help to Jenson.”
Nick Grant, targeted interventions officer at Swansea City AFC Foundation, has been working with Jenson since December and is proud of the progress he has made.
“The main aim of the sessions is to help improve confidence, self-esteem,” said Grant.
“What I say to everyone I work with is I want them to become the best possible version of themselves.
“I think myself and Jenson finding things we have in common definitely helped me build a rapport with him, and he’s a lot more confident now, and a lot more engaging in conversation.
“Being able to see a mindset shift, understanding the goals they set for themselves, it’s nice to see that these sessions are working and helping.”
As a passionate Swans fan, Jenson has thoroughly enjoyed the one-to-one sessions being located in the Swansea.com Stadium, overlooking the pitch.
“Having the sessions somewhere where he’s a massive fan of the Swans, he’s coming home saying the view he has is amazing,” added Vicky.
“I have enjoyed the sessions,” added Jenson.
“We talk about how we feel, how we think and about the Swans as well.
“I think the sessions have really helped me by teaching me not to hide anything and to always talk to a trusted adult.”
Grant quickly discovered Jenson’s love for the Swans from early conversations during the initial mentoring sessions.
The Swans Foundation were then able to recognise Jenson's progress with a special mascot experience to highlight the courage and bravery he has shown throughout the programme.
Jenson walked out onto the Swansea.com Stadium pitch with his favourite player, Zan Vipotnik, for the Swans’ FA Cup fixture against West Brom, which was an emotional moment for mum Vicky.
“It was amazing, it brought tears to my eyes especially as he walked out with his favourite player, Vipotnik. It was amazing to see," she said.