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Pete Bell's Story

From Prison Cell to Football Pitch. Pete Bell's journey from the criminal justice system to becoming a UEFA B licensed coach, now helping others break the cycle

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Journey of Transformation

In 1992, Pete Bell found himself serving 3 months of a 6-month sentence at HMP Lincoln. He had accumulated 10 convictions, was drinking heavily, had been through a custody battle, and tragically lost his 2-year-old son. After release, he spent three years in what he calls "the wilderness" - unemployed and directionless.

But Pete's story didn't end there. After seeing an advert at the Job Centre, he enrolled with Notts County's 'Football in the Community' scheme, and his life changed forever. Over the past 25+ years, Pete has transformed from ex-offender to one of the most respected rehabilitation advocates in the UK.

"I'd just come out of Lincoln prison after serving three months of a six-month sentence. After seeing an advert at the Job Centre, I enrolled with Notts County's 'Football in the Community' scheme... I knew it was exactly what I wanted in my life and I had found what I should be doing. I stopped drinking, was crime-free and embraced education."
Pete Bell Prision Visit

Pete Explains Step Out Stay Out

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Pete Bell shares his personal journey and explains how Step Out Stay Out uses football to break the cycle of reoffending in prisons across the East Midlands.

Pete's Journey: From Darkness to Light

1990-1992

The Dark Years

Pete accumulated 10 convictions, was drinking heavily, and endured a custody battle. His world collapsed when his 2-year-old son passed away. He served 3 months of a 6-month sentence at HMP Lincoln in 1992.

1992-1995

"The Wilderness Years"

After prison, Pete spent three years in what he calls "the wilderness" - unemployed, directionless, and struggling with the stigma of his past.

1996

The Turning Point

Seeing an advert at the Job Centre, Pete enrolled with Notts County's 'Football in the Community' scheme. After 6 months and completing his FA Preliminary coaching course, he knew he'd found his calling. He stopped drinking and embraced a crime-free life.

1996-2010

Building Expertise

Over 22 years, Pete earned 18 qualifications, including his UEFA B Licence (1996), worked internationally in South Africa and America, and became an FA Coach Educator for 14 years.

2017

Full Circle

A profound moment: Pete returned to HMP Lincoln as a coach and mentor, standing outside his old cell - now helping others where he once needed help himself.

2018-Present

Step Out Stay Out

Pete launches his rehabilitation programme, working across 7+ prisons in the East Midlands and beyond, helping hundreds of inmates develop coaching skills and break the cycle of reoffending. Justice Minister Edward Argar praised his work publicly.

"It can occasionally be a tough and lonely experience trying to drive and expand this work on my own, but if you change one person, they get out and change their whole family's lives and futures, then their children will stay out of jail, and so on."

Impact & Recognition

7+

Prisons Served

Across the East Midlands and beyond

100s

Lives Touched

Inmates helped through coaching programs

25+

Years Reformed

Crime-free since transformation

Your credibility to other prisoners as someone who has been there is very valuable. Prisoners will listen to you as someone who knows what it is really like.

Paul Yates
Governor, HMP Lincoln

I pay tribute to coaches like Pete Bell who deliver programmes for young people in custody every day. Sport can help teach self-discipline, teamwork and leadership.

Edward Argar
Former Justice Minister

Pete's Professional Background

Over two decades of coaching excellence and continuous professional development

UEFA B Coaching Licence (1996)

FA Coach Educator (2003-2016)

FA Mentor - Leicestershire FA

NSCAA Premier Diploma - USA (2002)

FA Level 3 Psychology (2010)

NVQ Level 2 Coaching Children & Adults

NVQ Level 2 Coaching Children & Adults

Notts County FC - Community Programme

Mansfield Town FC - Centre of Excellence Coach

University of Nottingham - Men's Football Club

Nottinghamshire FA - U/18 Head Coach

Multiple College Football Development Programs

International Experience - USA Soccer Programs