Change of youth through sport

My name is Hugues Yowa, and I represent Eagle Nation, a community organisation dedicated to providing sports activities for children and young people in Coventry.

Last year, we ran a project called "The Change," which offered free basketball and football sessions to young people—Basketball after school on Thursdays and football training on Saturday mornings. Through these sessions, we were able to build strong relationships with local youth and their families, which helped us better understand the challenges our community is facing daily.

These activities allowed us to engage with young people who are often at risk of isolation, anti-social behaviour, or violence. We believe that most young people are not inherently violent; instead, they are shaped by difficult circumstances such as unstable home environments, lack of guidance, or socio-economic hardships.

This is why Eagle Nation is committed not only to supporting children and young people, but also working closely with parents. We see the need for more dialogue, more family-focused activities, and more opportunities to keep young people engaged in a positive way.

The biggest barrier we face in expanding this vital work is a lack of funding. With the right support, we can do even more to reduce violence, improve well-being, and build a stronger, safer community for all.