Premier league and Thames Valley Police fund help for vulnerable young people
The funding has gone to Reading Football Club Community Trust
Reading FC Community Trust has announced a new community project that aims to build stronger connections between the Trust and the local police force.
Reading FC Community Trust has received funding from the Premier League, match funded by Thames Valley Police, to deliver the Level Up Mentoring & Life Skills Programme, a long-term, targeted support programme for vulnerable young people who are at increased risk of poor life outcomes, disengagement, exploitation or involvement in anti-social behaviour.
Specifically the project will target children and young people in care or with experience of leaving care.
Reading FC Community Trust is one of 49 professional football club charities across England and Wales to receive a share of £900,000 in Premier League funding to develop Police Partnerships projects with their local police forces, aimed at strengthening community relationships and reducing the risk of reoffending.
Partnership
Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer Clare Sumner CBE said: “The Premier League has a long-standing commitment to working with local police forces to create positive opportunities for young people in communities across the country. We are delighted to build on this partnership, expanding our reach to provide even more support and positive interventions for those who need it most.”
Opportunity
Paul Brown, Head of Strategy & Impact / Safeguarding Lead at Reading FC Community Trust, said:
“At Reading FC Community Trust, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. Through our Level Up Mentoring & Life Skills Programme, we are providing tailored, long-term support for vulnerable young people who may be at risk of exploitation, disengagement, anti-social behaviour or poor life outcomes.
“The programme is about much more than mentoring. It's about building trusted relationships, developing confidence and resilience, equipping young people with practical life skills and creating positive opportunities that help them make informed decisions about their future. By working alongside social care, education providers, youth services and other local partners, we can provide a joined-up approach that addresses each young person's individual needs and helps them overcome the barriers they face.
“We're incredibly grateful to the Premier League Foundation for investing in programmes like Level Up, which enable us to deliver meaningful early intervention and prevention work within our communities. Together with our local partners, we're helping young people build brighter futures, strengthen their connection to their communities and reduce the risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour, crime and exploitation.
“Ultimately, our ambition is to ensure every young person we work with has the confidence, skills and support network they need to achieve their full potential. If we can help just one young person change the direction of their life, then the impact extends far beyond that individual — it benefits their family, their community and future generations.”
The projects have been co-designed by football club charities and police forces to deliver meaningful, targeted interventions for young people. These include one-to-one mentoring for young people at risk of criminal exploitation, as well as programmes designed to rebuild trust between police and communities. Activities will also address key issues such as anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, and knife crime.
Delivery will take place through Premier League Kicks, the Premier League's longest-standing community programme that recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary and provides young people with access to free weekly football and multi-sport sessions, mentoring and education workshops.
To find out more, please visit www.premierleague.com