Football clubs get Violence Reduction Unit funds in new youth safety programme

The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has awarded £40,000 to a partnership of the region’s five professional football clubs to expand youth engagement, prevention, and mentoring programmes across the county. 

This funding brings the total investment to £80,000 for South Yorkshire, following a successful bid to the Premier League Foundation.

The funding will be co-ordinated by Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme (SWFCCP) as the project lead, who will distribute it among the participating clubs in Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham.

Building on the existing Premier League Kicks model of weekly football sessions, this expanded programme will see the clubs work collaboratively to support young people, reduce violence and deliver on shared priorities between the VRU and South Yorkshire Police. All activity will be completed by 31 March 2026.

The funding will support a wide range of activities across the South Yorkshire clubs, including workshops and awareness sessions in schools and community settings on issues such as knife crime, violence against women and girls and personal safety. 

Clubs will expand their provision through regular clubs, Kicks sessions and tailored programmes in areas of higher need, alongside mentoring, staff training and opportunities for young people to develop new skills. 

They will also create platforms for young voices to influence local activity, run community events and holiday programmes and work together on a high‑profile media campaign promoting safety and positive engagement.

Paul Hebda, Youth and Integration Manager at Sheffield Wednesday FC said: “We’re proud to be leading this partnership and supporting such an important programme for young people across South Yorkshire. 

“Our clubs are at the heart of their communities and this funding allows us to offer even more meaningful opportunities, whether through mentoring, education or safe, positive activity. 

"By working together, we can reach young people who need support the most and help them build confidence, connection and better futures. We’re committed to playing our part in this united effort to keep our communities safe and give young people every chance to thrive.”

Dave Cowley, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit added: “By combining sport, mentoring and vital education around issues like knife crime and violence against women and girls, this funding will help create safer communities and give young people positive opportunities to thrive. The clubs already play a huge role in their local areas and this investment will only deepen that impact.

“We’re pleased to support this collaborative programme, which brings together the collective strength of South Yorkshire’s football clubs to make a real difference in the lives of young people.”