Sheffield Wednesday's Richard Hinds and Sheffield United's James Beattie joined forces for the first time to help disadvantaged young people through The Prince's Trust Football Initiative recently.

The players will dedicate their time to inspire and motivate participants on a Prince's Trust 12-week self-development programme, building key workplace skills such as confidence, teamwork and communication.

The campaign marks the beginning of a £2m Prince's Trust initiative with the Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association and the Football Foundation. It aims to help more than 7,000 young people across England move into work or training over the next three years through football.

"Sometimes all you need is someone to take a chance on you to prove how successful you can be. The Prince's Trust is all about second chances, helping young people change their lives,"  James Beattie said.

Both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United have worked with The Trust for over a decade, the new funding will allow for the clubs to deliver more support through a variety of Trust programmes. Currently, each club motivates participants to complete the programme and gain, in some cases, their very first qualification and skills needed for work. Their involvement includes stadium tours, motivational talks, healthy eating workshops, signed merchandise and player appearances.

The Owls' Richard Hinds commented: "I had a great time with these young people. It was hard to believe that when they started this programme they were shy and lacking in confidence and motivation."

HRH The Prince of Wales launched The Prince's Trust Football Initiative at Old Trafford in August 1997. In ten years, more than 11,000 young people have benefited from the support of over 60 football clubs through a long-term partnership with the Premier League, PFA and Football Foundation.