Creating Change for Young Londoners
TackleLondon is a youth development programme which uses the power of sports mentoring to uplift young people who have been affected by Adverse Childhood/Community Experiences (ACEs). We teach resilience, teamwork and confidence by creating a supportive environment where young individuals can overcome personal challenges, build essential life skills, and unlock their potential. Our mission is to empower London’s youth, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive, both on and off the field.
Development Goals
Mitigating Impact of Aces
Education
Health and Wellbeing
Sports Mentorship
Situation
London is a city of immense opportunity, but for many young people, it is also a place marked by instability, inequality, and exposure to adversity. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as neglect, abuse, poverty and exposure to violence are alarmingly common in parts of the capital, contributing to poor mental health, school exclusion, and increased vulnerability to crime and exploitation. Knife crime in London has had a profound impact on young people: in the year ending March 2024 alone, 57 individuals under 25 were murdered with a knife, including 17 aged under 16. A survey by the Ben Kinsella Trust found that 36 % of youngsters no longer feel safe in their own neighbourhoods and 64 % report anxiety about knife crime in their area. Worryingly, around 25 % of young people believed that carrying a knife made them safer, while nearly 5 % admitted having carried one, a belief that drops dramatically after intervention, from 24 % to 5 % after workshops*. Meanwhile, two‑thirds of those cautioned or convicted in London for knife offences were first-time offenders, highlighting how knife‑carrying is becoming normalised rather than the result of long criminal histories.
*According to South East Online, “Major new report reveals full extent of Britain’s knife crisis”, 2024.
Solution
TackleLondon addresses the root causes and long-term impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) by offering what many young people in crisis lack: consistent, trusted adult figures and a safe, supportive environment. Through regular sports sessions and one-to-one mentorship, our programme provides stability, routine, and care – key protective factors shown to mitigate the emotional and behavioral effects of trauma. The rugby pitch becomes more than just a place to play; it becomes a space where young people can process their experiences, rebuild self-worth, and form healthy attachments. Our coaches and mentors don’t just teach sport; they listen, guide, and stand by young people who may have been let down by every other system. In doing so, TackleLondon helps to break cycles of violence, exclusion and fear, replacing them with connection, resilience and real opportunity.
Testimonials
“Rugby is something I really love. I’ve got a lot of friends through the sport, and it keeps me away from all the bad stuff that happens nowadays. When I’m at rugby, I feel like I’m enjoying myself and comfortable. I’ve never been confident in my life. I used to be scared to stand up and speak. I’d be shaking, thinking everyone would laugh at me. But now, I feel more confident. Playing this sport has helped my well-being.”
“You see it straight away. As soon as they start their session, the rugby coaches have got them. They’re engaged, they’re showing respect and they’re being polite to them. It shows that they’re being provided with someone they can trust, but someone who’s got humour – a personality – so that they start thinking ‘Okay I’m here to learn a new skill. But, also, someone that cares about me, who wants to listen and give me guidance.'”
“Whether the game is going good or badly – whatever situation you’re in – you know that you’re in a supportive group of people who believe in you. That truly, truly can make a difference to all of us. As the pathway moves from a school situation into a rugby club situation, you’ve then got the wider community who believe in that individual to follow that pathway. Ultimately the mentoring will have had a phenomenal effect on any individuals life, and that’s where we hope to get to by broadening the TackleLondon programme.”
- Mitigating Impact of Aces
- Education
- Health and Wellbeing
- Sports Mentorship
Donations make an immediate difference: £5 can cover transport for a young person to attend a session, £8 funds a session for one pupil, £62 supports a group of ten and £250 runs six full sessions. Every contribution helps us reach more young people and build brighter futures across the city.
Impact
Mitigating Impact of Aces
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Reduces long-term emotional and psychological trauma by providing safe, structured environments.
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Builds resilience and coping mechanisms in young people exposed to instability, abuse, neglect or violence.
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Helps prevent future risky behaviours (e.g. substance misuse, aggression, carrying weapons) by addressing trauma early.
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Encourages prosocial behaviours and rebuilds trust in adults and authority figures through consistent support.
Education
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Improves school attendance and engagement by reintroducing routine and motivation through sport.
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Reduces exclusions and promotes reintegration into formal education settings.
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Encourages academic focus and aspiration by linking sport with personal development and future pathways.
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Opens access to qualifications, leadership training, and vocational skills that increase employability.
Health and Wellbeing
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Promotes physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits, reducing risk of obesity, heart disease and other preventable conditions.
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Supports mental health through improved self-esteem, emotional regulation, and reduced feelings of isolation or anxiety.
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Connects participants with wellbeing resources, including nutrition support, therapy, or social care referrals where needed.
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Creates space for expression and healing through movement and teamwork, reducing the internalisation of trauma.
Sports Mentorship
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Provides consistent, trusted adult figures who model positive behaviour and guide young people through challenges.
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Builds goal-setting, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills applicable both on and off the pitch.
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Creates strong relational bonds that promote accountability, confidence, and long-term personal growth.
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Encourages a sense of belonging, purpose and identity, reducing the allure of gangs or antisocial peer groups.
Help TackleLondon Support More Young Londoners
Stories from TackleLondon
Kamran’s Story – TackleLondon
Kamran’s Story Kamran grew up in Croydon, a place where the streets can be unpredictable, and opportunities for young people are limited. Knife...