Thru Life has successfully piloted its groundbreaking ‘Wellbeing Thru Sport’ programme. The pilot, which ran from February to December 2024, was based in Haringey, London. Designed to support youth aged 12–18 who have been affected by trauma and grief, the initiative utilised football and other sports as therapeutic tools to build emotional resilience, personal development, and community connection.
The initiative was funded by the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and supported by Haringey Council. The VRU was established by the Mayor in 2019 and works in partnership with individuals and organisations to understand the complex causes of violence and prevent it from occurring.
The programme, which initially aimed to engage 10 participants, expanded to include 30 young people due to overwhelming demand. Out of the 30 young people, 25 remained consistently involved in the project, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing a safe space for emotional expression and healing.
Key features and achievements of the programme included:
– Weekly Football and Fitness Sessions: Promoting physical well-being, discipline, and teamwork.
– Creative Music Training: Offering participants an innovative outlet for storytelling and emotional expression.
– Therapist Integration: Ensuring accessible mental health support during sports sessions.
– Employment Training Workshops: Equipping participants with essential career skills.
– Local Grassroots Competitions: Strengthening local networks and developing a sense of community and belonging.
– National Football Tournaments: Participation in high-profile events boosting confidence and personal growth through competition.
– Youth Participation Advisory and Voice (YPAV) – Engaging with their peers to discuss the programme’s impact, providing valuable insights for continuous improvement.
A major highlight of the programme was a rap created and recorded by the young participants as a way to express their experiences during the project. The lyrics offer profound insights into their journeys of challenges, perseverance, and self-discovery, showcasing how they processed their grief through storytelling.
The rap was recorded at the Unity Extra – Thru Life Creative Media Hub in Tottenham. The hub merges mentoring with creative media and sports, using football as a gateway to encourage young people to discover creative and career skills. Participants gain practical experience in music production, radio broadcasting, and podcasting, while also improving their employability through specialised workshops aimed at supporting their future success.
The ‘Wellbeing Thru Sport’ programme revealed critical themes such as the role of football in emotional regulation, the importance of community in grief processing, and the barriers young men face in expressing vulnerability. Participants highlighted the transformative impact of trusted mentors and peer relationships in fostering resilience and emotional growth.
Richard Allicock, co-founder of Thru Life, said: “This programme is a model of our work and embodies the holistic approach we use at Thru Life. We integrate sport, mentorship, and therapeutic activities to address grief as a continuous process. By creating adaptable, trust-based environments, we empower young people to heal, build confidence, and envision positive futures.”
For more information about the aims and impact of the programme, read the project report, which provides valuable insights to guide future interventions for youth dealing with trauma and grief.
View and download the project report.
Listen to the music track.
About Thru Life
Founded in 2020, Thru Life CIC is an award-winning organisation committed to supporting young people and families living in and around the outskirts of London. Thru Life has also developed global partnerships expanding its impact to the Caribbean, South America and Africa. Through dynamic programmes and partnerships, the organisation equips youth with life skills, mentorship, and opportunities to navigate challenges and achieve their potential.
