Alternative pathways away from violence and into teamwork, mentoring and belonging.
Too many young people in London are drawn into violence simply because they are looking for identity, protection and belonging. Teams Not Gangs offers those same things — somewhere else.
The programme creates safe, positive teams in priority boroughs, pairing weekly cricket with mentoring from coaches who know these streets and these young people.
A cricket team and a gang are mirror images: both offer belonging, status and a code. The difference is what they ask a young person to become. We tilt that balance every week.
Mentors work with participants on goals, education and employment, and provide a steady adult presence that many young people have never had.
The ultimate aim is simple and life-changing: that the team a young person joins at 14 is the one they still belong to at 24.
A team gives a young person something a gang never can — a future.
— CKC Teams Not Gangs lead