The Set for Success programme is an intensive youth leadership initiative funded by the Wimbledon Foundation in partnership with Barclays and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.
Overview
Set for Success aims to use the power of sport to make a fundamental difference to the lives of young people facing an identified range of challenges.
From October to December 2022, data shows 11.6% of young people aged 16-24 are not in education, employment, or training (NEET, ONS 2022). This, sadly, is an upward trend exacerbated by mounting societal pressures, a cost-of-living crisis, and the ongoing fallout of a global pandemic.
This programme seeks to support those young people at risk of not achieving their full potential. Through a series of sessions delivered by inspirational athlete mentors and teachers, active learning, and sport, it supports participants to improve their life and employability skills, their engagement at school, as well as develop their confidence, aspirations and self-esteem.
Set for Success Pilot
In the academic year 2024/25, Set for Success engaged 1,274 young people, of which:
- 52% came from low-income families
- 34% had special educational needs / additional support needs or disability
- 31% were from ethnically diverse communities
The programme proved successful in improving the attitudes, behaviours and key skills of these young people.
During the pilot:
- 86% of young people improved their teamworking skills
- 82% of young people improved their communication skills
- 75% of young people improved their resilience
- 73% of young people improved their leadership skills
Furthermore, 82% of young people now know more about how these skills can help them in the future.
Plus:
- 75% of young people found an increased enjoyment in taking part in physical activity
- 75% of young people improved their social connectedness.
Crucially, 77% of teachers reported an improvement in their students’ behaviour at school. Please take a look at the reports and case studies on this page for more information.
Due to the pilot's success, the project has been extended by the Wimbledon Foundation in partnership with Barclays, to further increase the reach of the programme. Over its four-year phase (2023-27), Set for Success will reach another 150 schools across the UK, engaging up to 3,900 young people.
"This programme has bought me focus and confidence." - Student
"I didn't feel that confident doing sport in school at first, but this programme has made me come out of my comfort zone and be more open. It's really helped me and really change my life - I feel like a different person." - Student
"The programme has really raised the students' aspirations. Their prospects are a lot higher now." - Teacher
"I've definitely seen a change in my students in class and around the school. They have really enjoyed this programme and had opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise had." - Teacher
Interested in taking part?
If you want to find out more about Set for Success and whether you are eligible to take part, please visit the Youth Sport Trust website via the link below.
Find out more