Former Wolves Midfielder Finds Support in Community Coach

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers Midfielder Finds Support in Community Coach

Zeli Ismail, a former midfielder for Wolverhampton Wanderers, turned to his former coach, Joe Jackson, for guidance when he struggled to adapt to part-time football. Joe Jackson is the Founder/CEO of New Park Village Football Development (NPVFD), a community-based program in Wolverhampton. The program was established in 1998 as a response to gang violence in the area, using football as a means to engage young people and their families.

Zeli Ismail was the first of many program attendees to be signed by Wolves' academy, and his strong bond with Joe Jackson led him to seek help from his former coach 22 years later. Joe Jackson has been named Wolves' Community Captain as part of the Premier League's “More than a game” campaign, recognizing his outstanding work in the local community.

Joe Jackson describes New Park Village as a typical inner-city area with high unemployment and poor housing, but a strong sense of community. He explains that his football program originated from a desire to keep young men away from gangs and the prison system. Football served as a mechanism for Joe to become somebody, and he is now dedicated to transferring that success back into the community.

Zeli Ismail, who is now a coach at NVPFD, praises the impact that Joe Jackson has had on his development as both a player and a young man. He credits the program for keeping kids off the streets and providing them with opportunities. When Zeli found himself struggling after leaving full-time football, he reached out to Joe for help, and Joe was there to support him once again.

The NVPFD program has expanded over the years to include coach education, the Learning Through Football program, and grassroots teams. It engages with hundreds of young people on a weekly basis. Joe Jackson, who had a brief professional career with Wolves in 1984 before a successful non-league career, remains committed to helping the community. His motivation stems from a genuine desire to see young people lead better lives and reach their full potential.

Joe Jackson sees his role as pulling out the hidden potential in individuals and preventing them from ending up behind bars. He considers it his mission to make a positive impact and believes that football is a powerful tool for building communities.

In conclusion, Zeli Ismail's story highlights the transformative power of community-based football programs and the significant role that dedicated coaches like Joe Jackson play in the lives of young people. Through his work at New Park Village Football Development, Joe has not only helped Zeli but has also positively influenced the lives of many others in the local community. His commitment to using football as a means of empowerment and community building is truly commendable.