Images via Ollie Watkins / KFC Ollie Watkins is partnering with KFC for the launch of ‘The Kentucky Club’, an inclusive members club providing young people with the skills, connections and opportunities needed to secure their first job.Opening its doors in Birmingham on 27 October, The Kentucky Club will be free to people aged 16-24, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. A one-day event at the club will offer a mix of inspirational talks, practical skill development and networking and job opportunities.As part of the day’s programming, Ollie Watkins will be taking to the stage with VERSUS to talk about the lessons he learned as a young person and how he put them into practice on his road to the top of the game.Speaking about his decision to join The Kentucky Club, Ollie said: “I am really happy to be involved with this campaign. Opportunities for young people are harder to come by than ever, so it is important to see a brand like KFC to be doing what they can to level the playing field. I have had my own journey of hard work and challenges to get to where I am, and the support that I’ve had has helped me, so I hope that I can provide some inspiration to those attending the Kentucky Club!”As the youngest city in Europe – people under the age of 25 make up almost 40 percent of the population – Birmingham is the perfect city to host the initiative’s first pop-up. Research conducted by KFC found that 65 percent of young people between the ages of 16 and 25 don’t feel there’s enough employment support available to them, with 61 percent saying it’s difficult to get a job without an existing connection. KFC is aiming to change that.The launch of The Kentucky Club is just the latest move from KFC to open more doors for young people. Last year, the fast food chain introduced the Hatch programme with UK Youth, helping thousands of young people across the UK who have faced barriers to employment get their first job.Young people graduating from the Hatch programme will be automatically enrolled into The Kentucky Club, providing them with continued access to career development, job opportunities and community support.Alongside inspirational talks and panel discussions, attendees will get to watch and take part in a live recording of the ‘3 Shots of Tequila’ podcast and pick up exclusive Kentucky Club merch. Tickets for the event are free and available on Eventbrite.Get your tickets for The Kentucky Club here and see Ollie Watkins in conversation with VERSUS.