Groundbreaking Sports Diversion Programme reaches hundreds of at-risk young people across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

An extensive evaluation has revealed the powerful impact of a year-long Sports Diversion Programme in Nottinghamshire that combined sport, mentoring, and education to support young people most at risk of violence and criminal exploitation.

Convened by the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Partnership and conducted by Loughborough University, the evaluation has been delivered in partnership with community-based organisations Switch-Up, 3Pillars Project, Support Through Sport, and Trent Bridge Community Trust.

The initiative aimed to reduce crime by creating safe, supportive spaces for growth and development.

Key findings from the evaluation included improved mental and physical wellbeing through sport and routine, stronger relationships with peers, families, and trusted adults, better access to education, training, and employment as well as reduced risk of offending among participating young people.

Funded through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, the programme ran from June 2022 to March 2024 and engaged hundreds of young people across the city and county.

The projects were based on integrating regular sports sessions with targeted mentoring, life-skills education, and access to employment or training pathways.

Natalie Baker-Napier, Head of Nottinghamshire’s Violence Reduction Partnership, said: “The evaluation of this programme demonstrates the powerful difference that early intervention and partnership working can make in preventing violence and supporting young people to achieve positive futures.

“By bringing together local organisations, mentors, and community partners through the universal language of sport, we have created safe spaces where young people can build trust, resilience, and ambition.

“This work shows that when we invest in prevention and collaboration, we not only change individual lives but also strengthen our communities for the long term.”

Each organisation brought a unique approach, with Switch-Up, who provide tertiary prevention and deliver measurable outcomes in supporting young people into education and employment, offering a one-to-one mentoring and education through boxing.

3Pillars Project blended rugby and multisports with mentoring in community spaces, while Support Through Sport reached young people in hotspot areas with workshops and multi-sport sessions, and Trent Bridge Community Trust connected youth to volunteering and employment via football and multisports.

Dr. Caron Walpole, lead evaluator from Loughborough University, said: “This programme shows how sport can be far more than just play. By embedding mentoring, education and trust, it offers young people a real chance to change direction and build better futures.”

Poppy Flint, Switch Up’s Operations Delivery Manager, said: “Sport is a powerful tool, but when combined with mentoring, education, and genuine hard-edged hope, it can truly transform lives.

“This report highlights the vital work Switch Up does to support young people facing complex issues, deep-seated trauma, and the risk of involvement in youth violence.

“By helping them build confidence, find purpose, and take meaningful steps towards education, employment, and building positive futures, we are showing that investing in potential creates stronger, safer communities and ensures that no young person falls through the gaps.”

Jen Mustoe-Castle, Chief Operating Officer at 3Pillars Project, said: “At 3Pillars Project, we believe in hope, opportunity, and community.

“Through the Sports Plus programme, we’ve seen the power of sport and mentoring to help young people build confidence, self-belief, and a sense of belonging.

“By working together across organisations, we’re showing what’s possible when we invest in potential creating stronger, safer communities and a more positive future for everyone.”

Trainai Todd, Chief Executive Office at Support Through Sport, said: “This project highlights the immense power of sport and youth work in supporting disadvantaged young people and communities.

“Our impact on this project was enabled through meaningful collaboration with both delivery parters and the Violence Reduction Partnership.”

Mandy Wright, Head of Trent Bridge Community Trust, said: “The Trent Bridge Community Trust’s Positive Futures Programme has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that sport can have on young people through its involvement with the Sports Plus Programme.

“Engaging young people in sporting activities, particularly in sports leadership has enhanced their sense of self-worth, improved their overall wellbeing, and supported their personal development.

“Our collaborative partnerships demonstrate how collective efforts can contribute to building safer and stronger communities.”

While the programme was resource-intensive, the report highlights its potential long-term cost savings by preventing crime and supporting young people into stable, positive futures.

The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Partnership will use the findings to guide future investment in violence prevention and youth engagement strategies.