A recent football initiative in Birmingham has provided a safe and supportive space for young people to engage in physical activity, make new connections, and enjoy sports. The program, backed by property security specialist VPS and youth charity Sport 4 Life UK, was held at Hodge Hill College on Tuesday 1 September, in the final days of the summer holidays.
Approximately 25 youngsters aged 11-14 participated in the free football session, which not only focused on developing their skills but also gave them the opportunity to interact with others in a secure environment under the supervision of trusted adults.
The initiative was funded by VPS as part of their Safer Sites, Safer Futures campaign, which aims to address the relationship between young people, vacant and vulnerable properties, and antisocial behavior. This collaboration with Sport 4 Life UK is a direct response to the increase in youth-related breaches at customer sites during school holidays, with data showing that 64% of all summer youth-related vacant property breach incidents occur after mid-July.
One young participant shared their experience, stating, “It’s been good fun playing football with my mates. I didn’t win, but it’s been nice getting out, having a laugh, and doing something different instead of just being inside playing computer games or chilling, out and about.”
According to VPS’s research for Safer Sites, Safer Futures, factors such as boredom, a lack of meaningful activities for teenagers, and the influence of social media contribute to the issue of youth-related breaches. The study also highlights the importance of physical security in protecting both properties and people from harm, while also emphasizing the significance of providing positive opportunities and safe places for young people to spend their time.
Susie Wells, Head of Marketing at VPS UK and Ireland, who attended the session, expressed her delight, stating, “It was fantastic to see the teenagers enjoying themselves, and the interaction and relationships with the Sport 4 Life coaches were inspiring. It’s incredible how football and sport can become a powerful way to unite young people – someone once referred to it as the currency of the playground, which has always stuck with me.”
Seetan Varani, Managing Director of VPS UK, added, “Through our work protecting vacant and vulnerable properties, we see youth-related breaches increase during school holidays. Safer Sites, Safer Futures helped us look beyond the incidents themselves and better understand some of the factors that can draw young people towards these sites. Keeping vulnerable buildings secure is essential, particularly because they can be extremely dangerous places for young people to enter. But security is only part of the picture. If boredom and a lack of meaningful activities can contribute to the problem, then creating positive opportunities and safe places for young people to spend their time has to be part of the conversation too. That’s why supporting Sport 4 Life makes so much sense for us. This isn’t simply sponsorship of a summer holiday football event; it’s an opportunity to turn some of what we’ve learned through Safer Sites, Safer Futures into practical, preventative action.”
Tom Clarke-Forrest, Founder and CEO at Sport 4 Life UK, also shared his thoughts on the partnership, stating, “At Sport 4 Life UK, we understand the importance of events like this to offer safe spaces for young people in their communities. The partnership with VPS for this project shows the impact our work can have beyond the football pitch to address wider community challenges and ultimately support us to change the lives of young people.”
Sport 4 Life UK actively contributed to the Safer Sites, Safer Futures campaign, bringing their experience of working directly with young people to the discussion around early intervention, trusted relationships, and positive opportunities. As the partnership between VPS and Sport 4 Life continues to develop, they are also exploring opportunities for further youth activities.
