New London United report highlighting youth safety work unveiled alongside Mark Bright and the Mayor of London
"It’s brilliant to see every London club working together as London United and teaming up with the Mayor and his Violence Reduction Unit, to make even bigger impact on the lives of young Londoners.” - Mark Bright on the unveiling on a new London United report highlighting the youth safety work delivered across the capital by London’s Club Community Organisations (CCOs).
Mark Bright, Patron at Palace for Life, alongside CEO Mike Summers, Head of Community Engagement Jamie Broughton and participant Jesse, recently attended Wembley Stadium as part of London United to unveil new safety work for young Londoners.
Alongside the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, Palace for Life and other London Club Community Organisations, will work together as London United delivering youth safety projects.
This comes after a new report, Keeping Young South Londoners Safe, highlighted the breadth of prevention and youth safety work delivered by the 17 CCOs who make up London United. Latest data shows that in 2023/24, almost £8m was invested by CCOs in diversionary activities, targeted prevention and youth safety sessions.
Joining us on the day as part of the initiative was Jesse, a participant in our Premier League Kicks programme. Jesse grew up in Uganda with his mum before moving to the UK at the age of 14 to live with his dad in Croydon.
The transition was initially challenging, as he was approached by known gang members, some only slightly older than him, who attempted to recruit him to transport, deliver, and sell for them in exchange for money. Despite the persistent pressure, Jesse consistently turned down these advances.
He found a safe space and a sense of purpose through attending Premier League Kicks sessions run by the Palace for Life Foundation when he was in year 11 of school. These sessions provided him with a positive outlet and a way to stay engaged, away from the influence of gang culture. Even during the early stages of his involvement, Jesse continued to face attempts to lure him into gangs, but he showed remarkable maturity and confidence in resisting.
Now 17, almost 18, Jesse has been a committed participant in Palace for Life Kicks programmes for the past three years, including PL Kicks Seniors, PL Kicks Academy, and PL Kicks Refugee sessions. He plays a vital role in supporting young refugees, helping to foster a welcoming environment and a sense of belonging within the community.
In addition to his involvement with Palace for Life, Jesse is a Young Leader at Legacy Youth Zone and has recently been accepted onto the volunteer pathway with the Palace for Life Foundation, an inspiring reflection of his dedication to giving back. Currently studying at Croydon College, he also plays for City Select Academy, showing his continued commitment to building a positive future for himself.
Supporting Communities
Whilst London’s football clubs might be rivals on the pitch, London United joined forces off the pitch more than 11 years ago, recognising the strength of working in unison to support communities by providing safe spaces, youth work and activities for thousands of children and young people.
Alongside sustained investment and continued support from the Premier League through programmes such as Premier League Kicks which launched in 2006, and funding from the English Football League (EFL), London United network have been supported with funding from the VRU to deliver the likes of youth workers in custody suites, after-school diversionary activities, and the award-winning, community-led, MyEnds programme.
Prevention Programme Investment
At the event the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is partnering with London United in a major boost to tackling violence and exploitation.
The partnership features a commitment between the VRU and the capital’s CCOs to work together during a targeted ‘week of opportunity’ for young people every summer. The Mayor also announced his VRU is investing £6 million in targeted and localised prevention programmes – some of which London United already help to deliver.
Safer London For Young People
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“I am committed to building a safer London for young people by putting them front and centre and ensuring we are providing investment, support and opportunities for those who need it most.
“Our approach is showing signs of progress, with reductions in homicides, knife crime and violence with injury in London. But it’s clear we need to do more and that’s why I’m pleased to announce a new partnership between the Community Organisations of London’s 17 Football Clubs, and my VRU.
“Working together, harnessing the power of football and the unrivalled role clubs and foundations play in uniting our diverse communities, fostering identity, pride and a sense of belonging, means this partnership could be a gamechanger in our efforts to keep young people safe and supported to thrive.”
Chair of London United, Freddie Hudson, said:
“Our longstanding contributions to help keep young Londoners safe is well known and trusted within our local boroughs. The Keeping Londoners Safe report by Substance has helped to shine a light on and elevate our youth safety work. The compelling data speaks for itself but it’s our unique ability to engage, work in partnership and London wide reach that provides a network able to deliver important protective factors and outcomes for young people.
“We welcome a partnership with the Mayor of London’s VRU which is a significant strategic step for London United. Together we aim to continue our shared ambition and commitment to young people in London and their safety.”
Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer, Clare Sumner, said:
“The Premier League provides inspiration and opportunity through the power of football across London, and we are delighted to see the capital’s club charities further expand their work to reduce youth violence through this important partnership with the Mayor.
“Premier League investment in London United and the club charities enables them to deliver a range of programmes, including Premier League Kicks – which will play a key role in this initiative. Launched with the Metropolitan Police in 2006, Premier League Kicks gives young people real opportunities and promotes community cohesion and safer streets for everyone. The programme has gone from strength to strength in London and is now delivered nationwide through 93 clubs working with 40 police forces, reaching 600,000 young people.”
Mark Bright, ambassador for Palace for Life Foundation, said:
“As a patron of Palace for Life Foundation, I’ve seen first-hand the work they do in providing opportunities for young people in south London, especially those from the most difficult backgrounds.
“This work is replicated across the capital, and it’s brilliant to see every London club working together as London United and teaming up with the Mayor and his Violence Reduction Unit, to make even bigger impact on the lives of young Londoners.”
