Jobi McAnuff and Marlon Harewood help inspire next generation through Powering Dreams initiative

Former EFL footballers Marlon Harewood and Jobi McAnuff helped create a day to remember for grassroots football teams at The Hive Stadium, as part of Rexel UK and Denmans’ Powering Dreams initiative, delivered through their ongoing partnership as an Official Supporter of the EFL. Young players were given the opportunity to meet the former professionals, who took on the role of assistant managers for their grassroots teams, hear first-hand about their journeys in the game and experience the excitement of playing on a professional stadium pitch. 

More than 100 grassroots youth teams have now received their new, customised Puma kits for the season ahead. To mark the occasion, young players from two winning local clubs were invited to Barnet FC’s Hive Stadium for an immersive, professional matchday experience. 

As the new EFL season kicks off, the event created a fitting moment to celebrate football at every level, from the professional game to the local pitches where so many players first fall in love with the sport. Arriving via the official players’ entrance, the teams were given access to the stadium’s professional changing rooms to change into their new kits before undergoing pre-match tactical briefings and walking out through the stadium tunnel onto the pitch. 

Former EFL players Jobi McAnuff and Marlon Harewood joined the celebrations as assistant managers, meeting the teams, sharing insights from their careers and leading an action-packed seven-a-side match. 

For the young players, the experience was about far more than the final score. Wearing their new kits, meeting former professionals and playing on an EFL Club pitch gave them the chance to experience football in a completely different setting, while building confidence and creating memories they could take back to their grassroots clubs. It also highlighted the role that football plays in building confidence, friendships and a lasting sense of belonging. 

Natalie Moss, Chief Digital Marketing & Transformation Officer, said:

"At Rexel and Denmans, our day-to-day business is about powering the local trade, but as an Official Supporter of the EFL, we are equally dedicated to powering the communities where our staff and customers live and work. Following a summer of tremendous momentum for football globally, bringing that energy down to the grassroots level is incredibly rewarding. Giving young players quality kit and an EFL stadium experience helps build the confidence, teamwork, and pride that will stay with them long after the final whistle." 

Jobi McAnuff, EFL Legend, added:

“Grassroots football is the heartbeat of the game. Joining Marlon on the sidelines as assistant managers for the day was brilliant. You could see firsthand what it meant to these players to step out onto an EFL Club pitch in brand-new kits. Initiatives like ‘Powering Dreams’ make a genuine impact on young players, coaches, and local clubs, giving them a core memory and support they need as they kick off their new season." 

Nominated directly by Rexel and Denmans trade customers at local branches nationwide, winning youth teams received customised Puma match kits. As the 2026/27 season gets underway, Rexel and Denmans will roll out further community activations and matchday ticket giveaways across its UK branch network.