Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme is delighted to reflect on the success of its Dark Nights: Football Not Fireworks initiative for 2026, which brought young people from across Sheffield together for positive activities during the darker evenings.
Delivered in partnership with Sheffield City Council, the North East Local Area Committee, South Yorkshire Police and other local partners, the initiative aims to keep young people safe, active and engaged over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, while helping to reduce anti-social behaviour in local communities.
This year’s programme featured three open-access Dark Nights sessions at venues across Sheffield, giving young people a safe and welcoming space to socialise, make friends and try a range of activities. The Community Programme also hosted a special Football Not Fireworks Kicks Tournament at Concord Sports Centre, bringing together young people from six football club community organisations across Yorkshire for an evening of football, friendship and fun. The tournament helped break down barriers, build positive relationships and promote positive choices during the fireworks period. And, of course, there was plenty of pizza! ⚽🍕
The initiative’s impact has been recognised by partners, who reported some of the lowest levels of youth-related and firework-related anti-social behaviour in years across the targeted areas. Its success highlights the importance of accessible, positive opportunities for young people, particularly at times when they may be more vulnerable to becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.
Paul Hebda, Youth & Integration Manager at SWFCCP, praised the dedication of staff and partners:
“A lot of the work you guys do often goes under the radar, but grafting until 9pm over these past two weeks to help keep communities safe deserves massive credit. The impact has been outstanding.”
Jacob Walkland, Youth & Integration Officer at SWFCCP, added:
“Our tournaments have been a huge success, getting young people off the streets, away from anti-social behaviour and involved in lots of positive activities.”
A huge thank you to South Yorkshire Police, our local partners and everyone involved in delivering this year’s sessions and tournament for their continued support and commitment to helping young people stay safe and connected to their communities.
To find out more about Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme’s Youth and Integration work, please contact paul.hebda@swfccp.co.uk.