When discussions about boys and young men make national headlines, it’s easy to think the conversation is new.

At NE Youth, we’ve been having these conversations for generations.

As a new BBC documentary fronted by Gareth Southgate explores the challenges facing young men across the UK, we’re reflecting on our own history, our ongoing work and why supporting young people remains as important today as it was when we founded in 1935.

Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men sees the former England manager explore the realities facing young males today, from education and employment to identity, mental health and belonging. Rather than talking aboutyoung people, the documentary gives them a platform to share their own experiences and perspectives.

Earlier this year, NE Youth CEO Jon, was invited to join a roundtable discussion with Gareth Southgate and other leaders working with boys and young men. The discussion, which features within the documentary, brought together voices from across the country to explore the challenges facing young males and the support needed to help them thrive.

“It was a privilege to meet Sir Gareth who has a genuine commitment to using his position and influence to make real difference in this space. At NE Youth we are 100% behind the work of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and will continue to work collaboratively both locally, regionally and nationally to understand the issues, identify solutions and provide the best possible support to Boys and Young Men.” 
– Jon Niblo, Chief Executive at NE Youth

While the documentary shines a national spotlight on these issues, they are conversations that have long been part of the work we do here at NE Youth.

In fact, our story began over 90 years ago…

Founded in 1935 as the Northumberland Association of Boys’ Clubs, NE Youth was created to provide opportunities, support and community for young people across the region. Back then, youth clubs were places where young people could learn new skills, make friends, develop confidence and find a sense of belonging.

91 years later, much has changed. Technology has transformed the way young people communicate. Communities have evolved. The pressures facing young people look very different to those experienced by previous generations.

But some things remain familiar…

Young people still need trusted adults. They still need opportunities to connect with others. They still need safe spaces where they can be themselves, build confidence and feel part of something bigger.

At its heart, that mission remains unchanged. Football has always played a role in that story too. Going before social media, smartphones and streaming services, football brought young people together through local clubs and communities. It created friendships, confidence and a shared sense of identity.

Today, sport continues to provide a powerful platform for connection. Earlier this year, NE Youth delivered the Kick About Cup, bringing boys and young men together through football in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. On the surface, it was a football tournament, but beneath the goals, tackles and friendly competition was something even more important: connection.

The event gave young people an opportunity to build friendships, strengthen teamwork skills and engage in conversations around confidence, wellbeing, identity and belonging all within a ‘brave space’. By creating opportunities to connect both on and off the pitch, participants were able to develop relationships and engage more openly with one another. The Kick About Cup forms part of NE Youth’s wider work with boys and young men, creating spaces where young people can explore their identities, challenge harmful stereotypes and build the skills and confidence needed to navigate modern life. Through positive activities, trusted relationships and meaningful conversations, we support young people to develop health relationships, emotional literacy and stronger sense of self.

Importantly, this work doesn’t happen in isolation. Across the North East, organisations are working together to better understand and respond to the experiences of boys and young men. NE Youth is proud to contribute to these conversations through networks including the North East Youth Alliance and the North East Young Dads and Lads (NEDYL) Forum, helping to strength collaboration, share learning and ensure young voices are heard. If you are interested in hearing more from this network, join the North East Young Men and Boys Network Mailing List at the link: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/y/E7A8142010E72E2B

By working collectively, we can better understand the challenges young people face while creating opportunities for them to thrive.

We would also like to recognise the Centre for Social Justice for helping to bring together organisations and practitioners committed to improving outcomes for boys and young men, and for facilitating important conversations around these issues.

The questions raised in Gareth Southgate’s documentary are important ones. They ask us to consider what support boys and young men need today, what barriers they face and what role we all have in helping them realise their potential.

For NE Youth, the answer begins where it always has; creating spaces where young people feel connected, valued and supported.

It’s a commitment that started in 1935 and continues today.

Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men, available now on BBC iPlayer at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002xk5y/gareth-southgate-changing-the-game-for-young-men