Transitions in Sport Programme

​Statistically, the transition from youth to over 18 is one of the most challenging periods in a young persons life. This is also often expressed as a major challenge especially for those facing multiple disadvantage. This stage can determine whether a young person progresses towards stability and opportunity or disengagement.

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Research from Sport England shows that 16–25 year olds experiencing multiple disadvantage are:

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• 4x more likely to become NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)

• 60% more likely to disengage from organised sport after age 16​​

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Our programme is designed to bridge this gap by providing holistic, person centred support to help 16 - 25 year olds experiencing multiple disadvantage to stay engaged in physical activity while building confidence, improving wellbeing, and planning their next steps in life.

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We recognise sport is a staple in our young peoples lives that is about more than performance or having fun with friends. For many, it is a protective factor that supports with achieving positive outcomes in adulthood.

 

Our approach combines:

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• Free structured football sessions from UEFA A and B license coaches

• Fitness sessions from qualified Personal trainers

• Free 1:1 mentoring from qualified mentors and coaches 

• Free rehabiltation from qualified rehabbers and physiotherapist

• Workshops delivered by qualified teachers

• Opportunities at non league club and access to local run clubs

• Access to opportunities through EYC partnerships

• Freelance opportunities 

• Voluntary opportunities 

• Education and employment guidance

• Advocacy support e.g. Support with Criminal Justice, family, education providers

• Paid and voluntary opportunities

• Monthly guest speakers for life insights and exposure to new pathways

• Peer led environment making use of accountability partners

• Mental health and wellbeing support

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Our programmes are co created with young people, ensuring their voice shapes what we deliver.

 

How the Programme Works

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Currently, we run one workshop per month and these workshops take place at Millwall Community Trust (Lions Centre).​ These workshops consist of 1.5 hours in the classroom followed by 1.5 hours on the pitch.

 

Alongside this, every young person will have weekly check ins with their allocated practitioner in order to help them work towards their goals in the following areas:

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• Employment

• Education

• Personal development

• Football/physical activity

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These goals are reviewed on a monthly basis at each workshop.

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In our first pilot year we have supported 23 young people and they tell us the biggest impact of engaging with the programme is:

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• “Having someone to talk to without judgement.”

• Feeling listened to and supported.

• Having consistent adults invested in their progress.

• Improved fitness and wellbeing.

• Having the pressure of finances taken off their shoulders so they can remain engaged in physical activity.

• Freelance and voluntary opportunities have helped with getting experience.

• Making use of football, community and education contacts of EYC in order to gain access to new opportunities.

• Structure and accountability.

• Remaining focused.​​

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​​Many have shared that without this free support, they would feel stuck, unsupported, and that their mental health would have further declined.

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