Young people benefit from attending sports and physical activity programmes, maximising opportunities when this activity is regular and organised. Programmes engaging vulnerable or justice-involved children offer protective measures against crime and violence. Sport fosters positive development through peer support, social skills, and health improvements. It reduces negative influences, provides a safe risk-taking space, and acts as a gateway to other beneficial interventions like mentoring and counselling.

What do young people think about how sport can benefit them and their community? What about race equity and margnialised communities that are delivering sports and physical activities within their own communities? What can we learn from the current available evidence of the impact of sports and physical activity programmes? Are there settings where this works better?

We’re inviting you to come along and listen to leading experts who will share key insights about sports programmes and reducing violence crime. Register now and come along to our virtual learning café (online webinar session).

We will be joined by:

Caleb Jackson, Head of Change – Youth Sector (Youth Endowment Fund)

Caleb’s journey is driven by youth work with young people with violence related needs. He centered his practice on preventing youth crime and violence. As an advocate for child-centered solutions, he is working with a number of key stakeholders to use evidence of what works to drive improvements in policy, practice and systems. Caleb has worked in partnership at strategic levels with statutory partners and now spearheads YEF efforts across youth work to reduce youth violence.

Caleb will be chairing this event and sharing an overview into the YEF toolkit specific to what it says about sports programme. He will be contextualising the session as we prepare to hear from expert leaders.

Tranai Todd, CEO – Support Through Sport (Support Through Sport, CIC)

Tranai set up support through sport aged 16 and has gone on to deliver sports programmes across Nottingham. His background and personal experience is credible, his journey to date exemplar. As a long standing member of YEF’s youth advisory board, Tranai will share insights about the organisation he runs but also share his view (and others) about the role sport plays and can play to reduce youth violence.

Professor Geoff Thompson MBE, CEO – Youth Charter (Youth Charter)

Geoff’s journey from a five-time world Karate Champion to a black leader fighting both in the ring and for communities illustrates his profound impact. His rise from Hackney’s social exclusion to a sporting ambassador and administrator spans over 35 years, influencing major global games and advocating for youth and community development. Geoff’s roles include advising government departments, board memberships, and founding the Youth Charter. Recognized in prestigious lists, awarded an MBE, and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, his insights into positive activities promise invaluable guidance. Join us as Geoff shares his exceptional journey and insights to enrich our work.

Geoff is a former five times world karate champion and sports administrator who has previously delivered social and human initiatives with specific emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion. He is founder of Youth Charter, a UK-based international charity, and a UN non-governmental organisation.

Haydn Morgan, Senior Lecturer – University of Bath

Haydn Morgan is Associate Professor in Sport Management at the University of Bath (UK). The majority of his published research has explored the connection between participation in sport and the enhancement of social inclusion within marginalised populations. More specifically, Haydn’s research seeks to explore how engagement with sport and physical activity can act as a tool to divert or prevent engagement with crime and anti-social behaviour; may facilitate access into education, employment, and training; develop citizenship qualities; support community development; or enable young people to accumulate and enhance various forms of capital which are vital to their sense of inclusion and well-being. He has published widely on these topics in academic journals and has also produced reports for industry clients, including The Commonwealth Games Federation, the Ministry of Justice, UK Sport, Sport England, the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice, and the Sport for Development Coalition. He is currently involved in youth inclusion projects for Comic Relief, Access Sport, and the Welsh Rugby Union. 

Dr Carolynne Mason, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Social Justice, University of Lough