Alliance of Sport statement on the Youth Work inquiry report

The National Youth Agency and All-Party Pariamentary Group for Youth Affairs have published their final report from the inquiry into Youth Work – to which we and many Alliance of Sport members submitted evidence.

Youth work, including sport and physical activity, is a vital tool in the fight against youth violence and crime and the new report clearly highlights the need grow and develop these services.

Commenting on the final report, Justin Coleman, Alliance of Sport Co-Founder and Secretariat, said:

“We welcome with open arms this APPG Final Report. It is great to be able to identify and showcase the dedication of the Youth Work sector. Over the past few years the sector has been hugely impacted and we have all seen social isolation, loneliness, youth violence, knife crime, county lines and crime increase. Even if you are of the mind that there is not a direct link of cause and effect, the Youth Service sector needs to be fully supported, valued, properly resourced and prioritised, now more than ever.

“We must ensure our young people have a lifeline that is during the hours where and when they need it and where and when negative issues manifest themselves. Every child deserves a safe space to be with their friends and positive role models; to play, train and learn within their own choice.

“Within the Alliance of Sport’s Community of Practice, there are many, many organisations that contributed to the development of this document (sadly many that no longer work in the sector could contribute). This is a testament to you all.

“I have personally been privileged to work in, alongside and now support many of these organisations over the years. You are often the unsung the heroes and heroines of our society and it is about time that the light was shone on the best people, doing the best work, for our young people and their future. Hopefully this APPG Final Report is a catalyst for further support and empowers the rebuilding of what is an essential component of our young people’s, and their communities’, future.”