**In January, Billie Graham, our Women and Girls’ Development Coordinator, arrived in Gansbaai, South Africa to represent Arsenal and support the Premier League and the British Council in delivering the Premier Skills programme.**
The Premier League first invested in the Gansbaai facility in 2008, and since then, over 4,300 people have used the space each week. Thanks to an additional £100,000 investment, a new artificial grass playing surface has now been installed, further enhancing the facility’s impact on the local community.
The workshop combined both theory and practical training, equipping participants with the confidence and skills needed to deliver high-quality sport and physical education sessions. Billie worked alongside Lionel, a coach from Everton, to train 31 local teachers in Gansbaai over a three-day workshop. The programme culminated in the opening of a brand-new pitch and playing facility, where 100 local children were invited to take part in the launch. The newly trained coaches had the opportunity to put their learning into practice, delivering sessions to the children.
Among those watching on was former Charlton Athletic striker Shaun Bartlett, who observed as the teachers applied their newly acquired skills in sessions with nearly 90 local schoolchildren.
Billie South Africa
Reflecting on the experience, Billie shared:
_“I was truly honoured to be asked by Arsenal to take part in this trip and support the development of coaches on the other side of the world. Although miles apart, it became clear that we face the same barriers to sport, particularly for young girls and women. It was invaluable to share the steps Arsenal in the Community has taken to break down these barriers. The trip was a life-shaping experience for me, and it was beautiful to witness the growth of the coaches we supported in just a few days. I know the new pitch and the dedication of local coaches will transform lives in the community.”_
Nick Perchard, Director of Community at the Premier League added:
_“The celebration was a fantastic event and a testament to the Premier League’s investment in people and places, both in the UK and across the globe. The positive social impact of Premier League football extends far beyond the game itself, and we remain committed to supporting those who need us the most.”_
Copyright 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.