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A new partnership between Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Prevention Unit, the Welsh Government, and the Premier League Charitable Fund aims to strengthen efforts to build safer connected communities.
An £18,000 investment from the Premier League Police Partnerships Fund, alongside £30,000 in joint funding from the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner's Violence Prevention Unit and Welsh Government, will support the delivery of 80 targeted Premier League Kicks sessions across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Merthyr Tydfil.
These outreach activities for people aged 8-25 will provide early intervention for young men at risk of disengagement, exploitation, and long-term disadvantage by using the power of football and community-based support to help them build better futures.
The programme will also provide mentorship and mental health support, offering alternative pathways to crime and violence. It forms part of national campaigns, including #NotTheOne and SOUND, helping to encourage young men to make positive decisions and develop healthier relationships.
This new partnership builds on the success of the Foundation’s successful Premier League Kicks youth outreach programme which provides free football activities and support for young people.
Last year, the Foundation launched a Premier League Kicks site in Caerau, Maesteg - one of South Wales’ most deprived areas. The sessions delivered in partnership with South Wales Police, Noddfa Youth Project, and Bridgend County Borough Council, offer free weekly football activities at Caerau Primary School for young people aged 10–17.
These sessions give young people a safe space to connect, helping reduce anti-social behaviour and school exclusion, improve mental wellbeing, and build more positive relationships in their communities.
Since the programme's launch, Caerau has seen a 26% reduction in anti-social behaviour. Working closely with South Wales Police has also strengthened community cohesion and built greater trust between residents and law enforcement.
The new grant will be match-funded by £18,000 from the Premier League Charitable Fund, supporting 80 sessions that combine football with practical workshops on issues like knife crime, mental wellbeing, and healthy relationships.
To ensure the programme is accessible, the Community Foundation will continue to engage young people through schools, youth services, and community referrals, offering minibus transport for participants across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
TOGETHER, WE'RE CHANGING THE GAME.
Cardiff City FC Foundation's Premier League Kicks sessions provide young people between the ages of 11-18 with access to free football sessions and small sided games in a safe environment.
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Gavin Hawkey, Director of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, said:
“Football is a powerful tool for engagement. This project is a step towards addressing some of the issues highlighted in the 'Lost Boys' report from the Centre for Social Justice and depicted in the Netflix documentary 'Adolescence'. By investing in early intervention and using football as an engagement tool we can connect with young people, build trusted relationships and create positive change."
Daniel Jones, Head of Community Safety / Wales Violence Prevention Unit, said:
“This new partnership is an exciting step forward, giving more young people across South Wales the chance to take part in activities that help them feel more confident, supported, and connected. We’re proud to keep building on the great work already happening, and we’re looking forward to working with our partners to make an even bigger difference.
Cabinet Secretary / Welsh Government:
