Thousands of young people are set to get extra support into jobs and training, thanks to a new partnership between football clubs and the Government.

The initiative is part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee, which aims to ensure every 18–21-year-old has the chance to earn or learn. With nearly one million young people currently out of education, work, or training, the scheme couldn’t come at a more important time.

Football leading the charge

Every Premier League club charity is now working with the Department for Work and Pensions to back the Youth Guarantee. The English Football League’s charitable arm (EFL in the Community) and the Rugby Football League have also joined in, using the power of sport to connect with young people and open doors that might otherwise stay closed.

A big part of the plan is the expansion of Youth Hubs – one-stop centres based in football clubs, libraries, and community spaces where young people can get help with skills, confidence, and wellbeing. Thanks to a new £25 million investment, the number of Youth Hubs will almost double to over 200 locations across England, Scotland, and Wales within three years.

What youth hubs offer

Youth Hubs are designed to feel welcoming and community-focused. Instead of young people having to navigate distant, formal offices, support comes to them – whether it’s CV workshops, interview practice, skills training, or mental health and housing support.

The hubs are run in partnership with Jobcentres, local councils, charities, and employers, making them a one-stop shop for practical and emotional support.

A success story: Erin’s journey

Take Erin, for example. After being unemployed for two years, she felt stuck and had lost motivation. She joined the Palace for Life Youth Hub at Crystal Palace FC, where she signed up for a hospitality training programme. The experience gave her confidence, new skills, and ultimately a work placement that led to a permanent job. Today, she’s thriving – and her story is just one of many.

Backed by leaders

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, said:

“The number of young people not in education, employment or training is unacceptably high, and this government will not stand by while so many are robbed of their potential and our country of its future.

Through our £25 million expansion of Youth Hubs and partnerships with the Premier League and other key organisations, we’re creating real opportunities for the next generation, ensuring support is targeted to those most in need.

This investment will support our mission to give every young person the skills and confidence they need to thrive, as we break down barriers to opportunity under our Plan for Change”.

Clare Sumner, chief policy and social impact officer at the Premier League said:

“The Premier League is proud to support the expansion of Youth Hubs so young people, whatever their background, can access the opportunities, support and inspiration they deserve.

Between 2022 and 2025, the Premier League has invested £1.6 billion into wider football and communities, helping support people of all ages who need it most, and create more chances for young people to learn and grow. By working in partnership with Government on the Youth Guarantee, we can build on this foundation and ensure Youth Hubs offer even more opportunities to help young people thrive.

Together we are showing how football is more than a game, reaching those who need support most, helping them fulfil their potential and strengthening communities nationwide”.

Between 2022 and 2025, the Premier League has already invested £1.6 billion in football and local communities. Partnering with the Government’s Youth Guarantee will only build on that foundation.

Part of a bigger plan

This announcement is the latest step in the Government’s Plan for Change, aimed at boosting living standards and creating more secure jobs. Alongside expanding Youth Hubs, the Government has:

- Invested £45 million in eight Youth Guarantee trailblazers.

- Pledged £100 million to train 40,000 new construction workers.

- Introduced wider reforms like modernising Jobcentres and raising the National Living Wage.

With sport, community, and Government pulling together, the message is clear: no young person should be left behind. Photo by Weloc, Wikimedia commons.