Grassroots football is emerging as a powerful tool for social change, with local clubs witnessing significant results. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that football initiatives are effective in helping young people steer clear from violent crime and providing essential mental health support.
At the heart of these initiatives is Ivan Liburd of Leicester Nirvana FC, who has experienced the transformative power of grassroots football in reducing knife crime. After agreeing to mentor a young individual with a history of knife-carrying as part of a pilot scheme, he witnessed an impressive transformation. The young person dedicated himself to assisting with training sessions, to the extent that the police were amazed by his change. This case proved that young people react differently, and often positively, when they feel part of a community and perceive no threats.
The progress witnessed by Liburd is attributable to the club’s philosophy and environment. Leicester Nirvana FC, previously located in an inner-city area lacking green spaces, is now at a new site. The club refurbished a public land area, maintaining a full-sized football pitch and constructing a clubhouse. The club now stands as a symbol of unity, hosting kids from over 70 countries every weekend, their voices echoing encouragement to one another. The club’s strict stand against racism is highly visible, making it a safe haven for all.
Liburd believes that a football club can serve as a trusted space, particularly for youngsters who may resist more formal authority. In his words, kids who misbehave at school often behave well with their coaches. Using football as a medium, communities can understand these young individuals better and contribute positively to their development. Football is now recognised as an effective means of preventing antisocial behaviour and crime among the youth.
The Premier League Kicks Police Partnerships Fund is an initiative that backs this belief. It matches almost £1m of Premier League funding with £1.2m from police forces, Police and Crime Commissioners, and Violence Reduction Units. This results in a fund of over £2m for 43 football club charities across England and Wales over two years.
Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, emphasises that football plays a unique role in young people’s lives. She partnered with Premier League Kicks and Everton in the Community to incorporate grassroots football into her crime reduction strategy. In Merseyside, over 30 free sessions are offered each week to help reduce youth crime and antisocial behaviour. The Everton in the Community programme reports a significant decrease in crime and antisocial behaviour in the region during these session times.
Independent research by the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University confirms the positive impact of these programmes. The survey found that 93% of participants in the Kicks programme believed it helped them avoid trouble. About 86% felt that the programme improved their career opportunities and boosted their confidence in public speaking.
Moreover, the benefits of grassroots football aren’t just restricted to crime prevention. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and obesity in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, grassroots football offers a healthy outlet. The Football Foundation cites that over 15 million people in England regularly play football, generating £15.9bn in social value each year, including £3.2bn in healthcare savings.
For Liburd, he witnesses the health benefits at training each week. His advice to those hesitant about getting involved is simple: “Football is the most accessible sport in the country right now, so just come. Enjoy being around other people, enjoy being part of something. It gets you out and touching grass – literally. It doesn’t need to be about excellence.”
