The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a landmark partnership between the Violence Reduction Unit and London United, the collective of community foundations from all 17 professional football clubs in the capital, to tackle youth violence and exploitation.
Unveiled at Wembley Stadium, the initiative will see the VRU and football clubs work together to deliver a targeted ‘week of opportunity’ every summer, offering mentoring, music production, employability programmes and more to young Londoners.
The VRU is investing £6 million in neighbourhood-focused interventions, including £3.6 million to extend the MyEnds programme in nine communities, and £2.4 million for the Stronger Futures programme, providing safe spaces and activities during after-school hours and holidays
These programmes are delivered by youth and community organisations, with several football clubs actively involved in delivery and support.
While rivals on the pitch, London’s clubs have long worked together off it. Through London United, they’ve delivered:
- 100 youth safety projects across 31 boroughs
- Support for 30,000+ children and young people
- £8 million invested in diversionary activities and prevention in 2023/24
The partnership leverages the clubs’ reach, facilities, and trusted community presence to create safe spaces and meaningful opportunities for young people.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:
“I’m 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 record 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 landmark partnership between the community foundations 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 game-changer in our efforts to keep young people safe and supported to thrive.”
Since the VRU’s launch in 2019, knife-related hospital admissions for under-25s have fallen by 41%, whilst violence with injury offences have dropped by nearly 10,000. Alongside this, London’s homicide rate is now lower than Paris, Brussels, Berlin, and Madrid.
This new collaboration aims to build on that success, using the power of football to foster belonging, reduce harm, and support young Londoners.
Image credit: iStock
