Young people find new opportunities through Tameside Youth Justice sports partnerships

Young people across Tameside are discovering new ways to learn, grow and connect thanks to a range of projects led by Tameside Youth Justice Service (YJS).

Over the past year, engagement workers from Tameside YJS have been working closely with local sports providers to create accessible and positive activities for young people, helping to encourage pro-social behaviour and support them to make better choices.

The service, which works with young people aged 10 to 17 who have previously been involved in crime, supports both young people and their families by helping them understand the justice system and access wider support services.

As part of this approach, Tameside YJS partnered with organisations including Dukinfield Town and Youth Junior Football Club and Eighty-Four CIC, who successfully secured funding to deliver tailored sports and engagement sessions.

A wide range of opportunities were made available, giving young people the chance to try activities they may never have experienced before. These included cycle-ops bike building, a visit to a Manchester City football match, a girls’ group at a water adventure centre, gaming-based engagement sessions at We Are Gamerz Lounge, weekly open sessions at Astley Sports Village, professional training with Manchester Top Team MMA and boxing, and a six-week intensive anti-social behaviour programme with Samson Boxing Gym.

Young people also took part in the Urban Arts Project, a collaborative initiative between Tameside YJS and the Tameside Leaving Care team. Together, participants co-created two unique pieces of artwork, which are now proudly displayed in the Youth Hub in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Alongside this, the group joined the Clean Kicks programme, delivered by The Rio Ferdinand Foundation and funded by Tameside Futures. The hands-on project taught young people how to refurbish and customise old trainers, developing practical skills and showing them how their creations could be resold for a profit.

Further activities included kayaking funded by Tameside Futures, free weekly football sessions, rock climbing, bowling, crazy golf and a charity hike organised with Eighty-Four CIC.

One standout moment was a charity hike to Wild Bank Hill in Stalybridge, which raised more than £500 for The Anthony Seddon Fund, a local mental health charity. Three young people took the lead in planning and organising the hike, selecting the route and guiding the group, helping to build confidence, leadership and teamwork skills.

One 13-year-old participant said: “I had never been on a hike before and did not know places like this were near Stalybridge. I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did. My feet and shoes got all muddy, but it was fun looking back on it.”

Another participant, aged 18, added: “I enjoyed it and think it went good. I liked that everyone came out and did the walk, elder people and younger people. The scenery and surrounding areas were well nice.”

Overall, the project has helped young people build trusting relationships, develop personally and explore new opportunities, while fostering a sense of belonging and friendship. By creating safe and supportive spaces, the work has helped to break down barriers, challenge stigma and encourage positive behaviour among young people involved with the justice system.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith, said: “Giving our children and young people the best start in life, but also the opportunity to learn, are two of our key corporate priorities. It’s great to see this strong partnership between our Tameside Youth Justice Service and local sports providers helping to steer young people, who may be vulnerable to negative influences, into more positive choices and activities. This in turn has positive benefits for the wider community.

“Seeing local young people get involved in opportunities they may not have experienced before and giving them the chance to build friendships and relationships is truly uplifting. Well done and thank you to all that took part and took the time to organise it.”

For more information about Tameside Youth Justice Service, visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/yjs.