The Ministry of Employment has launched the HMP Empowerment Project in collaboration with the Gibraltar Football Association (GFA). This initiative has introduced football programmes at HMP Windmill Hill aiming to use football as a vehicle for change, harnessing the power of this sport to encourage teamwork, discipline and personal growth.

Supported by GFA coaches and the Prison Service, the programme started in August with a series of introductory taster sessions. In September, inmates were given the opportunity to embark on an introduction to the fundamentals of football which covered structured football training sessions, coaching, classroom activities and friendly matches.

A total of 9 inmates have successfully completed the course and were presented with certificates by the Minister for Employment, Christian Santos. Representatives from the GFA and HMP Windmill Hill staff also attended.

The Gibraltar Football Association’s General Secretary, Mr Ivan Robba, stated: “The Gibraltar FA is delighted that it has been able to collaborate with the Ministry of Employment in launching its HMP Empowerment Project. Using football as a Force for Good within our community is a key pillar of the Association’s strategic goals and we hope that the sessions at HMP Windmill Hill will help the individuals in their rehabilitation and reintegration journeys. On behalf of everyone at the Association we would like to thank the Minister for Employment, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, the staff at the Ministry of Employment and at HMP Windmill Hill for their amazing efforts in making the programme a success.”

The Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “Engaging in sports like football teaches important life skills such as cooperation, leadership and resilience. My Ministry strives to encourage positive change through innovative programmes such as this and to support individuals in their journey towards rehabilitation and reintegration once outside HMP Windmill Hill. My sincere thanks to the GFA for collaborating with my Ministry on this fantastic project and to the senior management and staff at HMP for their support.”