For more than 20 years, AO, the UK’s most trusted electrical retailer, has supported Bolton Lads and Girls Club (BLGC) through funding. Since 2004, AO has provided more than £1 million in support, helping thousands of young people across Bolton access grassroots sport, youth activities and personal development opportunities.
Through facilities including Infinity in Bolton town centre and the AO Sports Club on Hacken Lane, BLGC provides safe spaces where children and teenagers can stay active, build friendships and develop skills that can support future careers.
One of BLGC’s recent success stories is Lily Barnes, a 19-year-old football coach whose journey highlights the positive impact youth organisations can have on employability, confidence and leadership skills.
On World Youth Skills Day 2026, Lily has been reflecting on how BLGC helped her transform from a self-described “quiet kid” into a qualified football coach who secured a coaching role at the club at just 16 years old.
Lily has attended BLGC since the age of eight. Her football journey began training with her brothers’ team, an experience she believes gave her valuable skills that supported her development in the women’s game.
She said: “Playing in the lads’ team taught me about different communication styles, plus the physicality and speed demands. On the other hand, the women’s team taught me to be more strategic.
“I was very shy as a little girl, so the socialising aspect helped me massively. It’s also taught me about teamwork, approachability, patience, and helped me become more open and confident.
“Adaptability is another thing – I have to change the way I speak when coaching different teams. I wouldn’t speak to a 14-year-old the same way I would a four-year-old.”
Lily Barnes, 19, has been going to BLGC since she was 8
Alongside her coaching role at BLGC, Lily plays for Bury FC Women after spending six years within the Bolton Wanderers Women set-up. She is also studying for a Sports Coaching degree at UA92.
Her experience at BLGC introduced her to youth work as a potential career and inspired her to take on additional coaching responsibilities through one-to-one sessions at SuperstarZ in Bolton.
Lily added: “I never knew what I wanted to do career-wise, I’m still navigating it now, bur since I started coaching at BLGC, I’ve realised I want to work with kids in the future.
“The volunteering and coaching I’ve done at BLGC prepared me to take on the extra part-time work with SuperstarZ. When I applied, they were really pleased with my experience.
“Obviously, I was used to the big group sessions, so I felt a bit nervous but I’m glad I’ve gained that extra professionalism now.
“I’ve always loved football; I can’t sit still. I’m always asking about other work opportunities, which led to me helping at the Infinity site on Spa Road.
“Bolton Lads and Girls Club is a big name, and people know us, so that can be useful with networking and references on job applications. They’ve been a great help.”
How sport develops skills for employment
According to Emma Hutchinson, CEO of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, sport plays a significant role in helping young people develop the transferable skills employers value most.
She said: “It’s so much more than just coming down for a kick-about on a Wednesday night or meeting your mates on a Saturday for a match. It enables that personal and social development, and Lily is a fantastic case study to prove this.
“Sport instils healthy lifestyle choices, discipline, routine and being able to stick to a schedule which are all valuable life skills. It also reinforces the importance of teamwork, good communication and being able to celebrate achievements modestly.
“It teaches kids how to deal with defeat and things not going their way and being able to learn from mistakes. It forms coping mechanisms and resilience. These are key skills that an employer would look for in a young person.”
AO’s long-term commitment to young people in Bolton
AO has been BLGC’s principal supporter for more than two decades, helping the charity create opportunities for young people through sport, education and community programmes.
Since the partnership began in 2004, thousands of local children have taken part in grassroots football and youth development initiatives supported through AO’s investment.
Emma added: “AO have been our main sponsor for over 20 years, and we wouldn’t be able to do what we do for young people in Bolton without their support.”