RFL Launch Programme to Combat Youth Violence
January 17, 2020
The UK's Rugby Football League (RFL), along with its member clubs, have launched a new initiative to help reduce youth crime and violence, working with boys aged 10-14 in England and Wales.
The Inspiring Futures programme - which is centred around three pillars: Educate, Aspire and Connect - is designed to partner with the local community, both in classrooms and at home, to prevent young people from getting caught up in violent crime.
The programme will be delivered by the charitable foundations of Super League clubs Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Leigh Centurions, St. Helens and Huddersfield Giants and will be supported by the RFL.
Independent charitable trust, Youth Endowment Fund supports promising early intervention initiatives that work with youth to prevent youth offending. As a result, the trust has awarded the governing body £660,000 in support of this new initiative.
Youth Endowment Fund Executive Director, Jon Yates, said: “Too many children have their lives blighted by violent crime. Across the country organisations are working hard to change this. We’re delighted to partner with the Rugby Football League on this programme. With this money we can make a difference and learn lessons that can help across England and Wales.”
Coaches from the club foundations will deliver assemblies in local secondary schools as well as run a 12-week mentoring program to support children with behavioural issues within schools. While a sport-based programme will help to develop life-skills and confidence amongst young people as well as targeting anti-social behaviour hotspots, first-time offenders and young people at high-risk of offending.
The programme will also seek to recognise the importance of strong family relationships in preventing young people engaging in crime and violence. As a result, a ten-week intensive therapy programme will work with 315 young people and their family members to strengthen relationships, develop resilience and improve communication.
Ralph Rimmer, Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “Rugby League is committed as a sport to making lives better, and it is uniquely placed to do so. This great news is further recognition of the difference this sport makes in its communities. On behalf of the sport, the RFL is at the forefront of evidencing the value of the sport’s work in mental health, education, skills and community cohesion, as well as physical wellbeing through sport."