On July 1st, 2025, the Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation welcomed seventeen Year 6 pupils from three local primary schools to Horsfall Community Stadium for the first in a series of powerful anti-knife crime intervention events—part of our Breaking Barriers initiative.
Driven by growing concerns around youth violence, gang involvement, and misinformation online, Breaking Barriers is a collaborative response rooted in education, empathy, and prevention. The one-day intervention was designed to reach children before they encounter pressure or exposure to harmful choices, offering them positive alternatives and informed perspectives.
Each pupil received a bespoke invitation styled as a matchday ticket—bringing with it a sense of occasion, pride, and belonging. That simple gesture reflected what this programme is all about: creating safe, inspiring spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and heard.
The event was led by our own Community Director Mat Everett and Education Consultant Anne Seneviratne, with support from West Yorkshire Police, NHS staff, and former gang members who now work to prevent others from making the same mistakes. The immersive experience included:
- A simulated crime scene investigation led by West Yorkshire Police, helping pupils understand the real-life consequences of violent crime.
- A powerful session with NHS trauma specialists, offering an unfiltered look into the harsh realities of knife-related injuries and emergency care.
- A heartfelt testimony from Daryl, a reformed ex-gang member, whose personal story of violence, remorse, and transformation left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
Inspector Adam Beecroft of Bradford South Police, who was instrumental in securing funding for this initiative, attended and supported the event. His insight and leadership have been key to making this project possible.
The day was rounded off with positive, reflective activities designed to build resilience and connection. Through team sports, structured discussion, and active listening, pupils were given space to process what they had seen and heard in a safe and supportive environment.
This was not about fear—it was about truth, empowerment, and providing young people with the tools to make informed, safer decisions.
As Mat Everett put it:
“We’re not just telling young people what not to do—we’re showing them why, through real stories and real people. This is about equipping them to make positive choices based on understanding and empathy.”
With social media often glamorising knife culture, Breaking Barriers works to rebalance the narrative. Many pupils arrived with misconceptions about violence; they left with clarity, respect for consequences, and a renewed sense of self-worth. As one pupil told us:
“We’ve learnt that carrying knives is bad for the future generation, in public. Even a small cut can do a lot of harm.”
This is just the beginning. Breaking Barriers will continue throughout the year with three further events planned. The Bradford (Park Avenue) Sports Foundation is actively seeking new partnerships and funding to ensure we can reach even more young people across our community. We made a short video which is viewable below, talking to some of those involved in the event.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to West Yorkshire Police, the NHS team, Daryl for his courage, and particularly to Inspector Adam Beecroft for his dedication and belief in the project.
Together, we are breaking barriers—one life at a time.
Let’s keep going.
