A year-long programme supported by Sellafield Ltd is helping young people in Warrington at risk of anti-social behaviour to build confidence, develop new skills and make positive life choices.

Through the partnership with Warrington Youth Zone, the ‘Train Like a Pro’ initiative has used sport, mentoring and structured activities to engage young people referred by Cheshire Police, Warrington Youth Justice Service and local secondary schools.

Sellafield Ltd has been a long-term supporter of Warrington Youth Zone, becoming a Founder Patron in 2020 and contributing funding, mentoring and employability support to help establish the new state-of-the-art facility. This partnership included a £100,000 investment towards the Youth Zone, which officially opened in July 2022.

Pauline Deans, Sellafield Ltd Social Impact Team, said:

The project engaged 44 young people referred by Cheshire Police, Warrington Youth Justice Service and local high schools.

Over the 12-week programme, participants took part in football, boxing, rugby, gym and climbing activities, alongside workshops on topics such as mental health, community safety and positive life choices.

For many, these sessions provided structure, belonging and an alternative to negative influences.

One 14-year-old participant said:

Before this, I was always in trouble. Now I’ve got something to look forward to every week – people who listen and believe in me.

Building on that success, 16 young people went on to complete a 16-week sports leadership qualification, gaining coaching experience through the youth zone’s holiday club and delivering over 112 hours of community sports activities.

Among participants who completed the qualification:

• 67% reported increased self-esteem
• 78% improved leadership skills
• 72% saw improvements in their physical health

Local police have also observed positive changes, PC Chris Davies from Warrington Police said:

This project gives young people who might otherwise have nothing, a sense of purpose. It’s making a massive impact on their confidence, their choices, and the community as a whole.

One young person, B, once known for regular anti-social behaviour, is now a qualified sports leader volunteering at the Youth Zone as a junior coach.

Instead of hanging around, I’m helping kids get into football. It feels good to be doing something positive.

Thanks to Sellafield Ltd, the project has changed lives, helping young people turn potential trouble into purpose and paving the way for a safer, more connected Warrington.