Using sport to engage, support and empower college students

Using sport to engage, support and empower college students

Sport Sense has been working with Suffolk New College to engage and support students who may be facing barriers or challenges in their lives, using sport to build trusted relationships, provide mentoring and connect young people with positive role models. The work initially began with young people vulnerable to county lines exploitation. As we got to know the students, it became clear that county lines was often only one part of a much wider picture. We saw significantly more boys being referred and, although every young person had their own story, common themes emerged. Anxiety, social isolation, disengagement from education and a lack of consistent, positive male role models were recurring issues. Some had limited opportunities to socialise or be physically active, while financial pressures and peer influence were also concerns. Many found it difficult to talk openly about the challenges they were facing. Our role therefore developed beyond the initial intervention. We saw an opportunity not only to support individual students, but to create greater connection and belonging across the college, particularly at campuses where opportunities to socialise outside of a student's course can be limited.

For us, sport is about much more than playing a game. It provides a natural way to break down barriers, create a sense of belonging and purpose, and build trust. What starts with playing sport, talking or simply having a laugh can lead to conversations around education, wellbeing and aspirations, while developing teamwork, communication, resilience and responsibility. Sport Sense now works across three Suffolk New College campuses. Weekly kickabouts give students an accessible way to meet peers outside their course, while workshops and planned inter-campus tournaments create further opportunities for connection and development.

We have also established a basketball academy within Suffolk New College, competing in AoC competition and becoming AoC East champions last season. Opportunities aren't limited to playing, with students able to explore coaching, officiating, media and other roles within sport. One of our biggest challenges has been reaching the young people who may benefit most. Some are already disengaging from college, attending inconsistently or reluctant to engage with support. We also recognise that sport isn't for everyone, so being flexible and finding an entry point that works for the individual is important. Trust can't be rushed – consistency, listening without judgement and meeting young people where they are at are key.
Working alongside college student support staff has been central to this approach. Combining their understanding of a student's wider circumstances with the relationships we build through sport and mentoring creates more joined-up support around the young person.

The impact can be seen in both everyday changes and longer-term progression. Students have gained qualifications, secured employment, undertaken work experience and progressed into further education. For others, staying engaged with college and completing a course that may once have felt out of reach has been a significant achievement.
We have also seen students attend more consistently, become less isolated, build positive relationships and grow in confidence to speak up when something isn't right. Progress looks different for every young person, but those first steps towards connection, confidence and belonging can provide the foundation for longer-term change.
Anton Dixon, CEO at Sport Sense, said:
“Sport is the vehicle, but the relationship is what creates the opportunity for change. It's about meeting young people where they are at, consistently showing up and giving them different opportunities to find where they belong.”