Young People Lead the Way in Tackling Youth Violence
As youth violence continues to rise across the Southwest BCU – including Merton, Wandsworth, Kingston and Lambeth - AFC Wimbledon Foundation has joined forces with Fulham, Brentford and Chelsea Foundations to create a collective, youth-led response.
Representatives from our own Kicks Youth Voice Panel took part in a special day at Stamford Bridge, where young people from all four clubs worked alongside the Metropolitan Police and the London Ambulance Service. Through a series of workshops, they explored the causes of youth violence, its impact on local communities, and the role young people can play in creating safer environments for one another.
What followed was entirely youth-driven. Drawing on what they had learnt, the group developed their own ideas for sharing this knowledge with their peers. One of these outcomes is a short, powerful video designed to raise awareness, spark honest conversations and encourage safer choices among young people. This film will be shared across Kicks programmes throughout Southwest London, supporting continued efforts to reduce youth violence and champion positive pathways.
HOW YOUR DONATION COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
As we move into the festive season, this work is a powerful reminder of why our community programmes matter. Through initiatives such as Kicks, and with the support of our Club Together Bursary, we aim to give local children and young people the opportunities, stability and guidance they need to thrive.
This Christmas, we are raising funds to ensure these programmes can reach even more young people across our community. Every contribution helps us continue vital work just like this, empowering young people to feel safe, supported and heard. Even small donations can make a meaningful difference:
£10 could provide an inclusive and accessible sports session for a child with special educational needs
£25 could cover a match ticket and travel so a young supporter can enjoy a visit to Plough Lane.
£50 could support a young person to take part in several days at one of our holiday football camps or the Kicks programme, helping to keep children active, engaged and off the streets.
£100 or more could help train a future coach or referee, providing skills, qualifications and role models our community can be proud of.
Your support this Christmas helps us keep changing lives, one young person at a time.