TackleLondon was proud to play a part in a powerful moment of global connection this week, as the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced a new £1.4 million round of Go! London funding while visiting The Atlas Foundation’s programme in Cape Town, South Africa. His visit marked the conclusion of a historic trade mission and shone a light on how community sport is changing lives, from the townships of Cape Town to the estates of South London.
Delivered in partnership with The Atlas Foundation, the Matt Ratana Foundation and Star*Scheme, TackleLondon is a sports mentoring programme that provides young Londoners with the tools to overcome adversity, build resilience and realise their potential. Many of the young people we work with have experienced poverty, exclusion from education, or interactions with the justice system.
During his visit to Atlas South Africa, the Mayor joined more than 40 young people for a special rugby session and met with Atlas staff to learn how our shared values – teamwork, respect, discipline and enjoyment – create a foundation for young people to thrive. Whether through a first introduction to sport at school or a supported transition into club rugby, our programmes give young people a sense of purpose, belonging and the confidence to succeed.
Across South London, and in cities like Cape Town, the challenges we face are serious and urgent. Many of the young people we support are growing up amid instability – living in households affected by poverty or violence, navigating school systems that can’t meet their emotional needs, or facing the pressures of crime and gang culture in their communities.
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What the Mayor saw in Cape Town reflects the same commitment we bring to London: rugby as a vehicle for change, backed by care, consistency and community. From daily meals in township programmes to supported club transitions for excluded youth in Croydon, our mission remains clear – sport must work for every young person, no matter where they’re from.