Millwall Community Trust (MCT) in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, recently hosted a Clean Kicks Into Industry session, giving local people an insight into the growing trainer cleaning and restoration industry.
The session was delivered by Ryan Hunt from the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, alongside Duane Ramsay, Millwall Community Trust’s Employability & Mentoring Officer, who shared their knowledge and experience with those in attendance.
Throughout the evening, participants were introduced to the latest trainer cleaning techniques, learning how to care for different materials including leather, suede, and mesh. They also had the chance to see live restoration and customisation demonstrations, discover the products and tools used by professionals, and explore what it takes to turn a passion into a business.
As well as the practical side of the industry, the session gave attendees the opportunity to network, ask questions and gain an understanding of the different career paths available within trainer cleaning, restoration, and customisation.
The event forms part of Millwall Community Trust's ongoing commitment to helping people develop new skills and improve their employment prospects through engaging and accessible opportunities. Working alongside the Rio Ferdinand Foundation continues to create valuable experiences that encourage participants to think differently about future careers and self-employment.
A big thank you goes to everyone who attended, as well as Donald and Ryan for delivering such an informative and engaging session. We look forward to building on the success of the event with more opportunities for local people in the future.
John Scarborough, MCT’s Education & Employability Manager said: “This session is a great example of the opportunities we provide through our Millwall Youth Employability Hub, supporting young people referred by local Jobcentre Plus teams to explore new routes into employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship.
“By working with partners such as the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, we’re able to introduce participants to industries they may not have previously considered, helping them develop practical skills, build confidence and discover opportunities to start a business, create a side hustle or move closer to sustainable employment.”
Duane Ramsay, MCT’s Employability & Mentoring Officer said: “The Clean Kicks session last week was one of the best I have attended. Donald and Ryan delivered an authentic, engaging, and inspiring presentation that challenged our mentees to think differently about their future.
“By sharing real-life experiences and practical business insights, they sparked confidence, ambition, and a genuine interest in entrepreneurship. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and many participants left feeling motivated to explore self-employment as a realistic and achievable pathway."
Donald Forde, Rio Ferdinand Foundation added: "Clean Kicks is a programme that Ryan Hunt developed as Programme Lead in Manchester, and one he is rightly incredibly proud of. We're excited about the opportunity to bring it to London and are hugely grateful to the team at Millwall Community Trust for giving us the platform to do so through their outstanding Employability Hub programme.
“The biggest takeaway for us was the strength of MCT's connection to the local community. To attract 18 motivated, engaged young people into a classroom on one of the hottest evenings of the summer speaks volumes about the trust and reputation they have built. That is a real credit to the staff and wider team.
“We are looking forward to building on this partnership and exploring how we can take Clean Kicks to the next level—equipping more young people with the skills, confidence and support needed to become entrepreneurs and create their own opportunities.”
