Malawian Footballer Inspires Southend Youth through Content Writing and Engagement

Local Footballer Uses Platform to Empower Community

Southend-on-Sea, UK – A 24-year-old international footballer is using his growing platform to address a persistent challenge within his community: a lack of visible role models for young, Black professionals. Takondwa Maosa, currently playing for cambridge City and representing Malawi on the national team, is spearheading the Young Entrepreneurs Southend (YES) Network, a group dedicated to supporting aspiring young professionals and entrepreneurs from underserved backgrounds.

Supplied

Takondwa Maosa has three youth appearances and one senior cap for the Malawian international side

Maosa’s journey to the international stage began with a childhood dream and a determination to overcome a prevailing perception within his Southend community – that young Black men were involved in criminal activity. He shared, “The area that I’m in, there are not many Black people around. The ones that are there – people are thinking we are doing bad things or something dodgy and that’s not the case. There are so many Black people in london and Essex who are doing brilliant things.”

The impetus for the YES Network stemmed from recognizing this disparity and a desire to shift the narrative. “Seeing Black people who looked like me playing professional football made me believe that my dreams were possible,” Maosa explained.

A Proud Achievement

Harry Hughes

Takondwa Maosa and Ben Cluett were nominated for a Pride of Essex award in the inspirational youth category earlier this year

The network,which currently boasts 20 regular members,holds meetings every other month and actively engages with local schools and job fairs. Remarkably,maosa and his partner,Ben Cluett,were recently nominated for a Pride of Essex award in the inspirational youth category – a testament to their impactful work.

Maosa’s journey to the international spotlight began with unwavering dedication. After years of facing rejection, he earned a call-up to the Malawi national team at the age of 21. “It is really crucial to have role models and see people who look quite similar to yourself,” he stated, highlighting the significance of depiction. “Even the route to getting the international call-up was very tricky. As you can imagine, football is a very saturated thing and a lot of people want to be footballers.”

Did you know? The Young Entrepreneurs Southend Network is a powerful example of how grassroots initiatives can drive positive change within communities.

The Importance of role Models

Maosa’s story underscores a critical point: the profound influence of role models,particularly for young people from underserved communities. Seeing individuals who share similar backgrounds succeed can be incredibly motivating and provide a clear pathway to achieving one’s own goals. The YES Network directly addresses this need by providing networking opportunities, mentorship, and a supportive community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Takondwa Maosa and the YES Network

• Q: What is the Young Entrepreneurs Southend (YES) Network?

  A: it’s a community group founded by Takondwa Maosa and Ben Cluett to support young professionals and entrepreneurs in Southend-on-Sea, focusing on role models and empowerment.

• Q: Why did Takondwa start the YES Network?

  A: He wanted to address a lack of visible role models for Black youth in his community, challenging negative stereotypes and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

• Q: What kind of work does the YES Network do?

  A: They hold regular meetings, visit schools and job fairs, and provide networking opportunities for young professionals.

• Q: What is Takondwa’s football background?

  A: He plays for Cambridge City and Malawi’s national team, having earned a senior cap at the age of 21 after overcoming years of rejection.

• Q: What has Takondwa been recognized for?

  A: He was nominated for a Pride of Essex award in the inspirational youth category.

• Q: Can anyone join the YES Network?

  A: Yes, the network is free and open to all young professionals and entrepreneurs, particularly those interested in role models and community progress.

Pro Tip: Support local community initiatives like the YES Network to help foster a more inclusive and empowered surroundings for young people.

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