Steel City Youth Project Secures Million Hours Fund Support

Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme and Sheffield United FC Community Foundation have confirmed that their joint bid to the National Lottery’s Million Hours Fund has been successful. The funding will enable the launch of the Steel City Youth Project, a collaborative initiative designed to expand youth provision across four key wards in Sheffield: Hillsborough, Sharrow, Woodhouse, and Darnall.

 The project will deliver 946 additional hours of youth work over the next 12 months, including detached youth work, weekly sessions, co-production events, and targeted activities during school holidays. The aim is to engage more than 1,000 young people, providing safe, inclusive spaces that promote physical activity, life skills and positive relationships.

 Both organisations bring over 15 years of experience in open-access youth work and will employ qualified youth workers alongside peer researchers and changemakers to ensure young people have a meaningful voice in shaping the programme. Activities will include sports, creative workshops, social action projects and youth-led campaigns, all designed to address issues such as anti-social behaviour and a lack of opportunities for young people.

Ben Winter, Deputy Head of Community at Sheffield Wednesday FC, said:

“This funding is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our commitment to young people across Sheffield. Working alongside Sheffield United Community Foundation and key local partners, we’ll create safe, inspiring spaces that empower young people to thrive. Together, we’re showing how football can unite communities and drive positive change.”

David Bly, Chief Operating Officer at Sheffield United Community Foundation, added:

“Sheffield United Community Foundation is committed to engaging and driving opportunity in communities across Sheffield. This project demonstrates our strong collaboration with Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme, as we continue to share a joint vision and positively embrace the power that both football club charities bring to our city. Key local organisations will also play a pivotal role as we come together to support the next generation of Sheffield.”

The project has also been welcomed by delivery partner Zest and Sheffield City Council.

Matt Dean, Chief Executive at Zest, said:

“The Steel City Youth Project will enable Zest to work hand in hand with our local football clubs to provide positive activities, build confidence and raise aspiration, paving the way to a brighter future for young people across our communities.”

Cllr Dawn Dale, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Education, Children and Families Policy Committee, said: “Any increase in youth provision for Sheffield is always welcome news. We would like to thank our partners in this scheme for their hard work in achieving this.
We want all young people across Sheffield to feel like they belong in the area they live, the education setting they attend, and that they are valued members of the community they are a part of. Through projects such as this, young people can be supported towards achieving their goals.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating stronger, safer communities and empowering young people to thrive. Both organisations will work closely with local partners, including DESA and FURD, to ensure the project makes a lasting impact across Sheffield.

 Further updates will be shared as the Steel City Youth Project gets underway.