Whilst the PCC does not have a statutory duty to provide youth diversionary activity the impact of engaging in positive activity, including sport, on youth offending behaviour has long been recognised.
Supporting youth diversionary activity contributes to the PCC vision of `Working together to build safe, strong and confident communities.
It is particularly pertinent in relation to the new Police and Crime Plan priorities around:
- Reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and harm
- Tackle offending and re-offending
Middlesbrough FC Foundation
Middlesbrough FC Foundation is the official charity of Middlesbrough Football Club.
It was established in 1996. It aims to encourage and advance life chances for children and adults within the Tees Valley, to raise aspirations and to promote well being.
The OPCC has funded MFC Foundation Premier League Kicks since 2015. Current grant arrangements are due to expire in March 2025.
The PL Kicks programme is an initiative that uses football and the brand of a professional football club to engage 8 to 18 year olds. The programme works in deprived areas with high levels of youth antisocial behaviour and violence.
It offers open access, free of charge coaching sessions in a range of sports. They include i football, together with a range of workshops on targeted issues.
Service review
During 2024, the OPCC undertook a review of the current service. That was in order to provide options in relation to future funding arrangements.
The review concluded that MFC PL Kicks provision is of a high quality. It is valued by both the service users, who access the service, and also by the range of partnership organisations that either refer into the service or benefit from the increased diversionary activities being delivered in areas where crime and antisocial behaviour are at high levels.
The review also concluded that MFC Foundation is the only local provider, who could deliver this service. This is due to the added value gained via match funding from the Premier League and the brand of a professional football club.
The review did note the lack of current provision for under-18s in the Stockton Local Authority area.
It is recommended that any extension of OPCC funding should be dependent on MFC Foundation expanding the PL Kicks under 18 provision into Stockton.
Decision 2024/25 – 012: MFC Foundation Premier League Kicks funding (application, 128kB)