Mayor joins with football clubs to tackle violence

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced a £6 million partnership between the violence reduction unit and all 16 professional football clubs to combat youth violence. This initiative seeks to provide after-school clubs and holiday events, redirecting young people from gangs and violence. The announcement comes as London's homicide rate has dropped to its lowest since 2003, with nearly 10,000 fewer violent offences reported in the past year. The Keeping Young Londoners Safe report revealed that club trusts executed 100 projects across 31 boroughs, supporting over 30,000 young people in 2023/24. The funding will bolster existing programs, with £3.

6 million for MyEnds and £2. 4 million for Stronger Futures, aiming to provide support for parents and youth. Former professional footballer Marcus Gayle noted the transformative power of sport in creating opportunities for young people. Alysia Marcangelo, a volunteer, shared her personal journey of finding purpose through football after facing adversity. Critics, including the Conservatives' shadow home secretary, contest the mayor's claims, asserting that Londoners do not feel safer despite the statistics.