Transforming Lives with TackleLondon: Creating Change for Young Londoners
At TackleLondon, we use rugby to support young people who’ve faced tough experiences growing up—often called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Research shows that these challenges can lead to struggles later in life, but having strong, trusted adult relationships can make a huge difference.
We believe rugby is the perfect way to build those connections. Through the sport, young people find mentors who support them, encourage them, and help them believe in themselves.
But what actually are ACEs?
Take a moment to hear our TackleLondon team explain what ACEs are, and how they impact our lives.
Are there different types of ACEs?
There are many different types of ACEs, and no two people experience them in the same way. For example, living through a global event like the COVID-19 pandemic can be considered an ACE, but its impact varies for everyone.
We recognise that not all young people we work with will see themselves as having experienced an ACE—and that’s okay. Our focus is on providing support to anyone who needs it, without labels or assumptions. By reaching a wide group of young people, we ensure that those who want support can access it in a way that feels right for them.
The Impact of ACEs
Research shows that early life challenges can increase the likelihood of facing difficulties later on. Extensive research demonstrates that there is a correlation between exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the incidence of Health Harming Behaviours.
But Adverse Childhood Experiances do not define a person’s future. Studies highlight the power of strong, consistent relationships with trusted adults in helping young people build resilience, confidence, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Reliable access to a trusted “always available adult” builds both resilience to cope with challenges, and self-belief to recognise and achieve potential.
TackleLondon we passionately believe that rugby provides the ideal environment to deliver positively influential mentoring and access to trusted adult relationships. We are also strongly committed to playing our part in addressing inequality of opportunity, with the aim of contributing to systematic change towards a fairer society.
In both cases our ultimate goal is to empower the next generation of mentors and leaders, by enabling all young people with the confidence and motivation to take ownership of their futures and achieve their full potential.
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