A scheme teaching young people about violence against women and girls has “educated males and empowered females” Youth manager says, as the campaign nears its conclusion.
A ten month initiative by Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme ‘One Goal’, to raise awareness around violence against women and girls, has come to an end this month.
The scheme, funded by the The Violence Reduction Unit from July 2024, has focused on educating young people about violence against women and girls in an effort to increase awareness and “nip violence in the bud”, organisers say.
Paul Hebda, Youth and Integration Manager for Sheffield Wednesday FC, said: “Feedback has been amazing including feedback from parents, the police and the violence reduction unit.”
The young people in the scheme have had “some great development socially and in terms maturity”, according to Mr Hebda.
The initial goal of the scheme was “to empower young girls and educate young boys” which Mr Hebda says has happened.
He added: “We wanted to showcase the message that it doesn’t matter what gender, or background, sport is sport, and football is football, and it’s everyone’s game ultimately.
“The scheme has made the young people more socially inclusive and aware around sensitive topics.”
The scheme was ran through workshops as part of a voluntary youth program that included real life stories, “fun and engaging” workshops, initiatives including stadium tours and match days, and multi sport activities.
”The work we’ve done has moved away from gender stigmas, a lot of young people see passed gender now and don’t even question it.”
South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has praised the work done by the ‘One Goal’ project.
He said: “Working with partners, the government and the police, I will do everything I can to support victims and survivors of abuse and violence.
“Community projects like One Goal, which is funded by our Violence Reduction Unit, play such an important part in educating, supporting and empowering our young people to stop violence and abuse before it starts.”
The ten month funding for the initiative runs out this month, but they hope to reapply for the funding again in the future.