Burnley Strike for Life targets disadvantaged young people approaching adulthood
Burnley Borough Council’s sport and play development team coordinates Strike for Life. The programme targets over-16s who are unemployed, on benefits, or working part-time or sporadically. The programme uses sport to engage disadvantaged young people. It also provides sporting level qualifications, numeracy and literacy sessions, and awareness raising workshops to build self-confidence. It promotes volunteering and provides pathways to further education or employment. It is an intensive, structured programme running for two to three hours a day over a four to five week period. Attendance is free.
Young people view the staff as 'on our level', which enables an encouraging relationship. The life skills sessions are seen as non-dictatorial. Attendees feel the course gives them something to aim for and improves their self-respect and confidence.
Without [project leader] we'd be bums.
Young person
The programme costs £48,000 a year. Some young people have gained qualifications in sports coaching. Others have gone on to full-time education or employment.