The Leeds United Foundation have joined the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council and community organisations to empower Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities through sport in a groundbreaking new partnership.
The new programme will use the power of sport to improve opportunities for young people across some of Leeds’ most underserved communities and reduce youth-related anti-social behaviour, strengthening relationships between young people and West Yorkshire Police, and create clear pathways into mentoring, leadership and personal development.
Funded through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Police, the initiative will deliver free, accessible football and multi-sport activities in Cottingley Springs, Holbeck and Noel Mount, with a particular focus on breaking down barriers to participation and engaging young people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Across Leeds and wider West Yorkshire, young people growing up in areas of high deprivation are disproportionately affected by anti-social behaviour, social exclusion and limited access to positive activities. The need is particularly significant within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. National and local evidence continues to highlight inequalities in health, education and employment outcomes, alongside experiences of discrimination and exclusion that can limit engagement with services.
Working closely with Leeds GATE, community leaders and local partners, the programme has been designed to address these barriers through a place-based approach that puts communities at the centre of delivery. By embedding activities directly within neighbourhoods and creating opportunities in familiar, trusted settings, the project aims to build stronger connections, improve wellbeing and create sustainable pathways for young people and families.
Leeds United Foundation will act as the anchor organisation, bringing together partners including West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council, Leeds GATE and local community organisations to deliver interventions tailored to local need.
A key feature of the programme will see West Yorkshire Police officers attending sessions in a non-enforcement capacity, participating alongside young people in sporting activities and community engagement opportunities. This approach is designed to foster positive relationships, increase familiarity and help break down barriers that may exist between young people and statutory services.
Rather than focusing solely on enforcement, the programme embraces the principles of early intervention, prevention and trauma-informed practice, creating safe and supportive environments where young people can develop confidence, resilience and life skills.
Sessions will be delivered through age-appropriate groups for 8–11-year-olds and 12–16-year-olds, with dedicated girls-only provision embedded within the weekly programme. Activities will be adapted to reflect cultural needs and community priorities, ensuring every young person feels welcomed, valued and included.
The programme aligns with the objectives of Premier League Kicks and the West Yorkshire Police Partnerships Pilot, focusing on delivering long-term positive outcomes for young people and communities. Some of the expected outcomes are; reductions in youth-related anti-social behaviour around delivery locations, improved perceptions of and relationships with West Yorkshire Police, increased levels of positive behaviour, teamwork and community participation, greater engagement among Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people and families, increased confidence, wellbeing and resilience among participants and clear progression routes into volunteering, education, training and employment.
By combining the reach of Leeds United Foundation, the support of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Police, and the expertise of community partners including Leeds GATE, this innovative programme represents a significant investment in the future of young people across Leeds.
Through sport, mentorship and community-led engagement, the partnership will create opportunities, strengthen communities and help ensure that every young person has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
