Time to Stand Up, Not Just Take a Knee

From the streets of Cheetham Hill to the pitches of Soweto, from East London estates to refugee camps in Sudan, young people everywhere are fighting the same fight. A fight for opportunity. A fight for peace. A fight to be seen and heard.

We’ve always believed in the power of sport. Not just the glory. Not just the medals. But the power to inspire change, bring people together, and give young people a chance to rise.

But here’s the truth: we’re tired of talk. Tired of trophies with no legacy. Tired of elites flying in and out, leaving behind hashtags but no hope.

Sport for Development and Peace was never about PR. It was and still is about purpose.

From Protests to Plans

It’s easy to take a knee. But what comes next? We need more than moments. We need movements.

Sport can’t just be a stage for performance. It has to be a platform for real change. For young people growing up in communities impacted by poverty, conflict, and inequality, it’s about access. Dignity. Direction. And that’s where we come in.

At the Youth Charter, we’ve been working on the ground for over 32 years. We’ve seen what happens when young people are given a ball, a brush, a mic, or just someone to believe in them. We’ve seen them shine. We’ve seen them lead.

Local Voices, Global Impact

Whether it’s Manchester, Johannesburg, or Gaza, the issues are connected. Young people are calling out for peace, justice, and opportunity.

We believe sport, art, culture and digital engagement can be the glue that brings it all together. But we can’t do it alone.

We need:

• Investment that goes where it matters—not just stadiums, but streets.

• Leadership that listens—not just speaks at global summits.

• Athletes who act—not just endorse.

What Now?

The time has come to move. To act. To lead.

This is our message from the streets:

Don’t just play the game. Change it.

Let’s build a movement that turns sporting excellence into community empowerment. Let’s go from medals to meaning. From influence to impact.

Because hope without action is just noise. And our streets are tired of noise.

Join Us.

We’re ready. Are you?

Voices From the Movement

Youth Testimonials

"Before I found the Youth Charter, I didn’t see a future. Sport gave me confidence. Now I help run sessions for the next generation."

• Aaliyah, 17, Manchester

"When you're from a place where opportunity is rare, a football pitch or dance studio can be life-changing. It was for me."

• Thabo, 19, Johannesburg

"Art helped me speak when I couldn’t find the words. I didn’t just paint pictures—I painted my way out of trauma."

• Fatima, 15, London

"They told me I’d never make it out. Now I coach kids who are walking the same streets I used to run from."

• Jay, 21, Birmingham

Community & Mentor Reflections

"Young people don’t need saving. They need investing in. Give them the tools, and they’ll build the future."

• Coach Rani, Youth Charter Community Campus Lead, Glasgow

"I've seen boys in gang hotspots become community leaders through five-a-side and a bit of belief. Sport is power when done right."

• Mo, Youth Mentor, London

"We need fewer ceremonies and more action. Our kids deserve more than symbolic gestures. They need structure, support, and self-worth."

• Sandra, Parent and Community Volunteer, Manchester

Global Solidarity

"Where I live, we play football with bare feet on sand. But we still dream big. Sport gives us hope, even in the hardest places."

• Joseph, 16, refugee from South Sudan

"We don’t want charity. We want partnership. We want to be heard, not just helped."

• Amina, 18, Somaliland Youth Sport Leader