AREA OF WORK
Building safer, stronger communities through sport
Young people living in low income, underserved communities face real challenges and are more vulnerable to becoming victims or perpetrators of youth crime. Sports-based interventions can help break this cycle and provide the support and mentoring that young people need.
By connecting young people to their communities, and providing them with inspiring opportunities, StreetGames works to tackle the twin issues of boredom and alienation – leading causes of petty criminality and anti-social behaviour. Our highly-qualified tutors and hand-picked local volunteers provide not only structure and expertise but living, breathing proof of the transformational power of sport – redirecting misspent energy and empowering at-risk young people.
We support local community groups to provide a clear alternative support network for those who need it. Our community safety programmes promote a child first, pro-social, preventative approach to youth crime and violence.
The Youth Justice Statistics for England & Wales (2020-21) show a clear need for a targeted and effective approach:
Our work in action
I’ve seen a huge difference in his behaviour since he’s been doing the Wave Project. He has been calmer, happier and less violent. Police used to be called weekly for his violent outbursts but we haven’t had to call them out once since he started attending.”
Parent of young participant in Plymouth
Discover more about our work in this area
OUR APPROACH
Doorstep Sport
Doorstep Sport can offer supervised, fun activities, positive adult role models and opportunities for young people to achieve, creating protective factors against involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour.
PROJECT
Youth Justice Sport Fund
The Ministry of Justice has identified new funding to invest in sports programmes across England and Wales that effectively deliver against criminal justice outcomes in the financial year to the end of March 2023.
BLOG
The power of sport in preventing youth crime and anti-social behaviour
StreetGames CEO Mark Lawrie blogs about our partnerships and programmes designed to steer young people away from law-breaking and towards more positive pathways.
