Creating positive opportunities for young people across Cardiff

Young people across Butetown and neighbouring communities have been benefiting from a summer programme designed to bring people together, strengthen community connections and provide positive opportunities through sports, activities and youth engagement.

Funded by the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner through the Violence Prevention and Reduction Unit, Foundation4SportCardiff and Tiger Bay Amateur Boxing Club have delivered the Summer Nights programme, offering free evening sessions throughout the summer for young people aged 13-23 years.

Running three evenings a week from the end of June to September at Butetown Pavilion, the programme provided a welcoming and inclusive space where young people from Butetown, Grangetown, Canton and surrounding areas could take part in a wide range of supporting activities, life skills workshops and community-based initiatives alongside trusted adults.

The sessions proved extremely popular, regularly attracting more than 70 young people each evening. Through offering structured activities during evening hours, the programme created opportunities for young people to stay active, build confidence, develop new skills and strengthen their sense of belonging within their communities.

A key feature of the programme was the positive engagement between young people and local policing teams. Through informal conversations and shared activities, young people had the opportunity to meet neighbourhood policing representatives in a relaxed environment, helping to build mutual understanding and increase confidence in local policing.

During a recent visit, Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools met with young people, staff and volunteers to hear directly about the difference the programme has made. Young people spoke positively about the strong sense of community created through the sessions and the supportive relationships they had developed with coaches. The programme was described as somewhere they felt welcomed, valued and able to be themselves.

The programme forms part of a wider commitment from the Police and Crime Commissioner to invest in community-led initiatives that provide positive opportunities for young people, strengthen local relationships and contribute to safer, stronger communities.

Reflecting on the visit, Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools said:

“The success of Summer Nights demonstrates the incredible value of community-led programmes that create opportunities for young people to come together, stay active and feel connected to their local communities. It was inspiring to hear directly from young people about the positive impact of these sessions, the friendships they have made, the confidence they have gained and the experiences they have enjoyed throughout the summer.  

The dedication of Foundation4Spot, Tiger Bay Amateur Boxing Club and other organisations like them creates truly meaningful experiences and opportunities for young people. Through investment in programmes like this, we are helping to strengthen community connections, build trust and ensure that young people can access positive opportunities where they can thrive.”