Idris Elba believes that increasing access to football in communities can help steer young people away from knife crime, and he has called on other sectors to emulate the Premier League’s initiatives. The actor recently attended a session organized by the West Ham Foundation, which is part of the league’s Kicks programme aimed at supporting at-risk youth by offering free weekly football sessions. Elba recognizes that while this initiative can create opportunities in sports, such as coaching, it also equips young people with essential life skills.
“Football has an incredible collective power,” Elba stated. “This serves as a strong example for other industries to consider implementing mentorship programmes.” He emphasized the importance of apprenticeship programmes that provide young people with various opportunities, noting that not every child aspires to be a football player.
Elba highlighted the Premier League’s proactive approach and urged major companies in technology and the automotive industry to engage with young people and understand their interests. The Premier League has invested over £90 million in the Kicks programme over the past two decades, focusing on reducing violent behavior, especially in light of the tragic stabbings of ten teenagers in London last year and a 14-year-old’s death in early 2025.
Reflecting on his own campaign, Don’t Stop Your Future, which advocates for urgent action against knife crime, Elba stated, “Wherever young people gather around football, we should be promoting the message that knife crime is unacceptable.” He encouraged open dialogue with youth, urging adults to listen to their thoughts and feelings about knife crime and their aspirations. This week, he engaged in such discussions with young players and coaches in Dagenham.
