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A ‘solid foundation for rehabilitation’: First Football Works tournament takes place in UK

The first ‘Football Works’ tournament to be held in the UK recently took place at HMP & YOI Feltham.

Football Works is a project based in the Netherlands, supported by the Dutch government, which aims to provide support for young people in custody to prepare them for release from prison and reintegration back into society and the labour market.

Using the social value of sport, and in particular football, alongside educational workshops, it aims to develop the required skillsets and build confidence.

A total of 89 partners or supporters were welcomed to Feltham for the tournament including QPR FC and Southampton FC, HMP Brixton, HMP Winchester and HMP Wormwood Scrubs, Saracens Foundation, Harlequins Foundation and the Twinning Project. The Dutch Ministry of Justice had 22 representatives in attendance, with prisoners in the Netherlands having made the trophies that were awarded.

Heavy rain throughout the day did not dampen the spirits of the 48 men participating in the tournament, and Philipp Reissner, from Football Works, commented afterwards: “The first UK Football Works festival has been a great success!

“It followed suit from the festivals that have already happened in the Netherlands, as well as Serbia in 2024, and it is great to see it has been introduced to UK prisons as well. Through close collaboration we hope to establish it and host more tournaments in the future.”

He explained: “The tournament is a result of the Football Works methodology, which aims to positively influence prisoners by preparing them for their lives after release and guide them to a successful reintegration into society and the labour market.

“The tournaments aim to be a festival by celebrating the success of the participants that have gone through the project, thus further inspiring other prisoners, prisons and wider organisations to become involved with this methodology.”

Representing the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice at the tournament were CEO James Mapstone and COO Justin Coleman. Justin said: “Despite the downpour, the event at HMP Feltham was a powerful testament to the unifying force of sport. Witnessing so many dedicated organisations come together in a secure setting was truly exceptional. The spirit of warmth and togetherness on display, coupled with the inspiring site tour and visit to the Release on Temporary Licence venue, laid a solid foundation for rehabilitation and the promising growth of this initiative across the UK. It was a great day with great people.”

Dr Haydn Morgan, from the University of Bath, commented: “Without doubt, the Football Works tournament at HMP Feltham provided a very memorable experience for all involved, but in particular the men from the prison who participated. There is substantial evidence to support the use of sport and physical activity in prison, and the benefits it has on prisoner health and wellbeing. However, my hope is that this tournament goes beyond just this and acts as a springboard to enable these men to imagine a different future away from crime and towards a meaningful and effective resettlement plan post-custody.”

Pablo Blackwood DL, Trust Prisons and Mentoring Manager for QPR FC in the Community Trust, added: “As someone who had previously attended the Football Works tournament in Holland and Serbia, it was great to host our own one here in England. It fills me with pride to be part of the planning team, as the Prison Programme Manager at QPR I strongly believe in collaboration.

“The delegation that accompanied me illustrated this, our team was made up of PEIs, community partners, our Safeguarding Manager and workforce with lived experience of being imprisoned. A highlight of the day was being able to raise awareness and be informed of the fantastic work taking place across the sport and physical activity for rehabilitation space. I am looking forward to continuing many of the positive and productive conversations.”