More young people are disengaged with society than ever before. In Lambeth alone, over 9 gangs operate and 40% of their members are young people. They are typically from low income households and are often excluded from school. Antisocial behaviour, drug abuse, sexual abuse as well as knife crime come with the territory and children as young as 8 are getting involved. With cuts to youth funding over the last year the numbers of young people needing our help has quadrupled.

We run football sessions for young people aged 10-19 three times a week and take them to compete in matches and tournaments twice a month. During the sessions we incorporate leadership and communication training and on match days workshops are delivered to both teams covering topics such as conflict management and sexual health. Young people qualify to represent BIGKID in a match if they turn up consistently to training, exhibit good behaviour and make commitments to go to school.