Football 4 Life

The Pitch

Problem statement

Most of CYP's members are from North King’s Cross – an area containing six pockets of poverty which are amongst the 20% most deprived areas nationally. In the past, we have been commissioned to run successful youth crime and gang projects, sports programmes, and community safety initiatives by the Greater London Authority, Islington Council and The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). As a result, we have developed a strong understanding of local community issues and needs, and have established the network and research required to run this programme successfully.

Solution

The programme aims to engage, motivate, and enable young people to participate in Football, improving their fitness levels, resilience, and responsibility. Football sessions are a vital first step towards engaging all participants, especially those hardest to reach. It has been shown that Football lower antisocial behaviour on local estates, deter young people from criminal activity and provide opportunities to escape the cycle of poverty.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

We strive for children and young people to grow and develop through the vehicle of Football, a popular sport with young people and children in the area. Our football programme emphasises social and cultural education, helping to progress young people from grassroots kickabouts to competitive Football at various levels. Young people take on leadership roles, organising teams and refereeing every session. All young people have the opportunity to play in leagues and tournaments on a casual basis for CYP.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

40 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

Most of CYP’s 350+ members are from North King’s Cross – an area containing six pockets of poverty which are amongst the 20% most deprived areas nationally. All members fit into one of the following need groups: • Group 1: (25%) engaged in criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, most of whom are not in employment, education or training (NEET). • Group 2: (50%) may or may not be in education, employment, training but remain unsure of their future with many living in difficult circumstances. • Group 3: (25%) disadvantaged but motivated with high aspirations, enthusiasm and a desire to improve their quality of life. Young people in this group act as coaches, mentors and role models. They also take on higher responsibility roles within the programme such as refereeing matches.

Track record

Last year 90% of young people increased their responsiveness to learning, and 68% raised aspirations and actively wanted to learn.