Sunderland suffers from high deprivation and the problems associated with this, including the highest levels of death directly related to alcohol in the country. Areas in Sunderland have the highest concentrations of child poverty in England- 8404 children receive free school meals. Sunderland spends £187m per year on the effects of child poverty, e.g. poor mental health, obesity, and unemployment. In 2015, 178 children were excluded from school, and under 16s committed 28% of racist incidents.

Tackle It uses coaching and workshop sessions to teach young people about positive choices which will impact on their academic and social lives. With rising levels of disengaged pupils in schools, Tackle It is seen as a needy tool using the power of football to re-engage and reinvest peoples hearts back into the community. There are specific workshops to focus on topics and areas of need for each group we engage. The project also provides young and vulnerable people with positive role models.