The Atlas Foundation was honoured to host the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in Cape Town this week, where he announced a new £1.4 million round of funding for Go! London – the capital’s biggest ever community sport fund. The announcement marked a proud moment in The Atlas Foundation’s journey, which continues to demonstrate the power of rugby to uplift young people across borders.
Sadiq’s visit to Atlas South Africa concluded a landmark trade mission to Africa – the first of its kind by a London Mayor. While there, he saw first-hand how The Atlas Foundation uses sport and mentoring to create safe, inclusive environments for young people growing up in challenging circumstances.
Atlas, founded by England Rugby World Cup Winner Jason Leonard OBE, works across 21 countries to tackle poverty, violence, and inequality by helping children access education, health care, nutrition, and clean water – grounded with the values of rugby: teamwork, respect, discipline, and enjoyment.
Who is TackleLondon?
TackleLondon, delivered by The Atlas Foundation alongside the Matt Ratana Foundation and Star*Scheme, is a sports mentoring initiative that has already supported over 1,000 young people across the capital, many of whom face serious barriers including poverty, school exclusion, or experiences with the justice system. The programme is funded through the Mayor’s £34 million mentoring investment and supported by his Violence Reduction Unit.
Creating Change for Young Londoners
“Together, through the unifying spirit and values of rugby, we are not only changing lives with our work in the communities but also laying the groundwork for a more just and equitable future for all. By ensuring a genuine sense of pride and dignity, it transcends into one of hope and belief, and this truly has the power to change the narrative of our beautiful country.
We extend a warm welcome to the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan and thank him for the pride and affirmation extended to our young Atlas SA girls and boys today alongside the new investment the exceptional Go!London children’s initiative.”
Former Springbok and Atlas South Africa Champion Joel Stransky added: “To be able to help others using the values of this great sport is a privilege. The Mayor’s visit, like Prince William’s before him, will inspire the next generation.”
Since its launch in 2023, Go! London has invested over £8 million into more than 200 grassroots organisations. By the end of 2026, the initiative expects to have supported over 40,000 underserved young Londoners through access to physical activity, from rugby to cycling, yoga and skating.
The new £1.4m fund is open for applications now, and will continue supporting charities and community groups delivering impactful sport and mentoring initiatives across London.
The Atlas Foundation confronts serious and urgent challenges every day
Whether in South London or South Africa, we work at the frontline of poverty, exclusion, and violence. Many of the young people Atlas supports are navigating the aftermath of trauma; growing up in homes marked by instability, in communities grappling with gang culture, or schools unequipped to meet their emotional needs. In Cape Town’s townships, where youth unemployment and violent crime remain endemic, Atlas partners with local leaders to provide not only rugby but also daily meals, educational support, and safe spaces for vulnerable children.
Discover More of Atlas' Work
Learn More About the Go! Initiative
The new £1.4m fund is open for applications now, and will continue supporting charities and community groups delivering impactful sport and mentoring initiatives across London.
