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​Young people aged 16–25 who experience multiple disadvantage often face significant barriers to progression, especially after they leave the structure of full-time education. This is a journey our Co-Founder Ryan knows all too well through his own lived experience, seeing how some of his friends were impacted by this transition in life and more recently, through his work in sport with young people. 

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• According to research by Sport England, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are 40% less likely to continue participating in organised sport after age 16.

• Those aged 16–25 facing three or more disadvantage factors are up to four times more likely to disengage from education, training, and sport related pathways.

• Without targeted support, young people with lived experience of disadvantage often lack access to mentoring, structured goal setting, or rehabilitation that could keep them on a positive track.

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This drop off has long term consequences not just for their sporting development, but for their confidence, employment prospects, mental health, and sense of purpose. 

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What the Programme Offers

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The EYC Sport Transitions Programme is a year round, structured support programme for 16–25 year olds who are at risk of disengagement or already disconnected from education, employment, or training due to complex life circumstances.

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Rather than focusing solely on football performance, this programme centres around:

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• Goal setting

• Progress tracking

• Personalised development plans

• Rehabilitation and coaching support

• Weekly 1:1 mentoring check-ins

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Programme Structure – 3 Key Phases

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• Pre-Season (4 weeks – Summer)

  • Participants co create a personal development plan

  • Set individual goals in football, employment, education, and wellbeing

  • Access rehabilitation support and personalised coaching plans if returning from injury or time away from sport

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• Mid-Season Check In (2 weeks – Winter)​

  • Encourages re engagement at a difficult time of year

  • Short, focused phase to reflect, adjust goals, and receive additional mentoring or support

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• Post-Season Reflection (4 weeks – Spring/Summer)​​​

  • Plan next steps beyond the programme (e.g. Supported moving to a new sporting environment, apply for education or training, pursue employment)

  • Reflect on outcomes, track progress using a simple 1–10 scaling system, and celebrate achievements

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Goal Areas

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Participants set and track individual targets in four key areas:

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• Football – e.g. rejoining sport, coaching development, team engagement

• Employment – e.g. CV writing, interview skills, job readiness

• Education/training – e.g. course applications, gaining qualifications

• Personal Development – e.g. mental wellbeing, resilience, confidence.​

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How it Works

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• Individualised – Each plan is tailored to the young person’s situation, barriers, and ambitions

• Supportive – Trauma informed staff provide emotional and practical support

• Non judgmental – Open to young people at all stages of re engagement

• Collaborative – Group workshops, mentoring, and peer encouragement create a sense of belonging and shared purpose

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Who it’s For

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Young people aged 16–25 who:

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• Face multiple disadvantage (e.g. low income, housing instability, care experience, mental health needs, exclusion)

• Are disconnected from traditional sport pathways post-education

• Want to develop structure, confidence, and progression plans across sport and life

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This programme bridges the gap for young people often left behind after education ends. By creating space for them to set goals, access coaching, and build direction we’re not just keeping them in the game. We’re helping them build a future.