About

Our Mission

At Village United CIC, our mission is to ensure that every child regardless of background, income, or circumstance has the opportunity to belong, grow and succeed through sport. We believe in the powerful truth that “it takes a village to raise a child” and that no child is left on the sideline. Village United exists to break down the financial barriers that prevent talented and motivated young people from disadvantaged and single-parent households from accessing grassroots sports participation.

In the UK today, approximately 4.5 million children, nearly one in three are living in poverty and the likelihood is even greater for children in lone-parent families and Black and minority ethnic households who face disproportionate economic hardship.  This financial strain means thousands of children miss out on the benefits of sporting clubs due to fees for membership, training, kits, transport and registration.  

Research shows that children from poorer households are three times more likely to take part in no extra-curricular activities compared to those from wealthier backgrounds and significantly fewer engage in organised sport.   These gaps are not just numbers they are lost opportunities for friendship, health, confidence, teamwork and positive routine. Without meaningful activities, young people are at greater risk of disengagement, lack of purpose and negative influences, all of which can contribute to involvement in anti-social behaviour and contact with the youth justice system where there were around 35,600 proven offences by children in a recent year. 

Mental health challenges among children and young people are on the rise, with studies showing around 20% of children aged 8–16 experiencing a probable mental health disorder. Participation in organised sport is strongly linked to better mental health outcomes. Research involving large, representative samples of children has found that those involved in team sports have significantly fewer signs of anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and attention problems than children who do not participate in organised sport. For example, team sport participation has been associated with 10–19% lower rates of anxious, withdrawn and depressed symptoms compared with non-participants.  

Furthermore, UK research indicates that children involved in sport clubs outside of school exhibit fewer emotional, conduct and peer relationship problems, and more prosocial behaviours, compared to peers who don’t participate.   These findings highlight how sport not only builds physical strength but supports emotional resilience, confidence and positive social connection — all critical to mental wellbeing and protective against the stresses of disadvantage.

We believe sport changes lives. Participation in team sports has been shown to:

• build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing,

• strengthen social skills and a sense of belonging,

• reduce idle time that can lead to negative influences,

• and create structured opportunities for young people to thrive.  

But sport alone isn’t enough. What transforms a club into a safe and nurturing space are the coaches, mentors and volunteers — the positive role models who guide, encourage and challenge young people to reach their potential. These leaders help children to see paths forward, build healthy habits, and feel supported even when life feels hard.