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Athletic Elite is proud to announce our latest partnership with Northamptonshire Police to launch The Sideline Project, an innovative initiative powered by the Serious Violence Duty Grant Scheme 24/25. This project represents a significant step forward in our mission to prevent youth violence and empower young people across Northamptonshire through the transformative power of sport and mentorship.
The Sideline Project: An Overview
The Sideline Project is a six-week, community-based program specifically designed to target at-risk youth aged 7-19 in some of the most vulnerable areas of Northamptonshire, including Northampton Central, Wellingborough, Kettering, and Corby. This initiative is more than just a basketball program—it is a comprehensive approach to crime prevention and youth development.
Our program combines elite-level basketball training with positive psychology workshops, crime prevention education, and consistent mentorship. The goal is to foster emotional resilience, improve mental health, and create a sense of community among participants. By providing these young people with the tools and support they need, we aim to guide them away from the paths that lead to violent crime and toward positive life choices.
Our Goals and Objectives
The Sideline Project is driven by clear, impactful goals that are at the heart of everything we do:
Primary Prevention: We aim to prevent youth violence through early intervention, focusing on cultural change and targeted place-based initiatives.
Skill Development: Our program enhances physical fitness, mental health, and emotional well-being, giving young people the tools they need to thrive.
Crime Prevention Education: We equip participants with the knowledge and skills to avoid and resist involvement in criminal activities, fostering a safer community.
Community Engagement: By working closely with local schools, police, and other stakeholders, we strengthen community ties and create a unified effort to reduce violence.
The Impact We Aim to Make
Through The Sideline Project, we plan to reach over 2,000 young people, providing them with regular online mentoring and access to private basketball sessions. These sessions, coupled with our in-school workshops on crime prevention and emotional skill-building, will offer a holistic approach to youth development.
Our evening sessions will provide a safe space for school refusers and young people referred directly by the police, ensuring they have consistent mentorship and a positive outlet through sport. By integrating basketball with life skills education, we aim to build safer communities through sport, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges faced by at-risk youth in Northamptonshire.
A Strong Foundation of Success
The Sideline Project builds on the success of our previous collaboration with Basketball Northants on the anti-knife crime initiative, "Carry A Basketball Not A Blade." This initiative was recognized at the highest levels, with Athletic Elite’s founders being invited to 10 Downing Street in January, in recognition of its success across the county.
The Sideline Project is not just a continuation but an expansion of our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. With the support of Northamptonshire Police and other community partners, we are paving the way for a brighter future, where sport becomes a powerful tool for change.
Get Involved
As we embark on this important journey, we invite local businesses and community members to join us in supporting The Sideline Project. Athletic Elite has released details of its scholarship scheme, inviting businesses to sponsor young people from less stable socio-economic backgrounds, allowing them to access our year-round program. This includes online mentoring sessions, on-court one-to-ones, and a range of physical and mental workshops.
By partnering with us, you are not just supporting a program—you are investing in the future of our community. Together, we can change young lives, one basketball session at a time.
