Using sport to prevent violence webinar for schools

Liverpool School Sports Partnership (LSSP) is joining forces with the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP). Together, they are championing the role of sport in improving young people’s wellbeing, safety and life chances.

The not-for-profit organisation has worked with schools in Liverpool for 25 years to enhance and develop sporting and wellbeing initiatives for children and young people. It will lead a webinar that forms part of the MVRP’s Merseyside Schools Network, focusing on ‘Sport as a Catalyst for Violence Prevention’.

Webinar event details

The event will take place on Thursday, 19 March between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. The webinar will help school leaders within the MVRP’s network to strengthen early intervention approaches. LSSP’s joint CEO, Jimmy McGinn, will lead the discussion.

The MVRP’s schools network brings together education professionals from across the region to share ideas, resources and approaches that can help create safe and supportive school environments. Its regular online sessions give schools the chance to hear from practitioners working in different areas of prevention.

How sport supports violence prevention

During the webinar, Jimmy will share expertise on how participation in sport can encourage pro-social behaviours among young people. It can also support positive decision making and reduce the likelihood of young people being drawn into harmful influences.

Jimmy will share insights on how schools can promote sport as a positive alternative for young people. This approach helps them build confidence and develop resilience. It also supports a deeper sense of belonging within school and the wider community.

Jimmy said:

“I am delighted to be the guest speaker at Merseyside Schools Network’s webinar next month. Having been involved in martial arts for over 30 years, alongside 20 years’ experience managing sport and community development programmes, I have seen first-hand the positive impact sport can have on developing pro-social behaviours in our young people. From respect and integrity to determination and teamwork, when delivered correctly, sport can be a powerful outlet and provides a valuable opportunity for early intervention.

“It is fantastic to partner with the MVRP to deliver this important webinar, and I would like to thank the team for their support in ensuring more young people across the region can access the wide benefits sport and physical activity offers.”

LSSP’s personal safety programme

Alongside the webinar, LSSP is working with the MVRP to deliver its personal safety course, DADDR, into selected schools across Merseyside.

LSSP developed its DADDR programme to support pupils in upper Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 to follow a framework for personal safety. 

The two-week programme gives pupils the opportunity to learn and apply the DADDR concept. As they approach their teenage years, pupils inevitably gain greater independence, making these skills especially important. DADDR is an acronym for detect, avoid, defuse, defend, report.

Children and young people will gain a greater understanding of personal safety, situational awareness and emergency preparedness. Ultimately this programme will ensure they know what it means to keep themselves safe. 

Merseyside Police and crime commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said:

“It’s vital that we give young people the tools, confidence and opportunities to make positive choices. Sport is one of the most powerful ways to do that and we’ve seen many times on Merseyside how it can make a genuine difference to a young person’s future.

“So, it’s great that LSSP are supporting the next MVRP Schools Network meeting to support early intervention in our schools and help keep our young people safe, supported and thriving.”

How to register

School leaders and education professionals who are committed to early intervention and youth wellbeing can sign up for next month’s webinar. You can register via the Merseyside Schools Network at www.merseysidevrp.com.