How TackleLondon Alleviates The Impact of ACEs Through Sport
Adverse Childhood Experiences, commonly known as ACEs, refer to stressful or traumatic events that children may face during their formative years. These experiences range from abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction to living in unstable environments, facing violence, or enduring poverty. ACEs can have profound effects on a child’s emotional and physical development, contributing to long-term challenges in mental health, behavior, and physical well-being.
According to research, children who experience multiple ACEs are more likely to face difficulties such as poor academic performance, substance abuse, and mental health issues later in life. At TackleLondon, we recognize the importance of addressing these early adversities and helping young people build resilience through community support, sport, and trusted relationships. Our work is grounded in fostering positive change, especially for children in London who are at risk of the long-term consequences of ACEs.
How TackleLondon Helps Alleviate the Impacts of ACEs
1. The Power of Sport
At TackleLondon, we believe sport has the potential to be a transformative tool in young people’s lives. Rugby, in particular, teaches discipline, teamwork, and resilience—skills that children impacted by ACEs often need to develop. Through regular physical activity, young people can release stress and focus their energy on positive outlets. Moreover, the camaraderie formed within a team environment builds a sense of belonging, which is often lost in the face of trauma or instability.
Rugby encourages the development of healthy routines, fosters emotional regulation through structured activity, and provides a positive environment where young people can thrive. Beyond the physical benefits, sport helps children rebuild trust, self-esteem, and a sense of identity—all of which are critical to overcoming the emotional scars left by ACEs.
2. Trusted Adult Relationships
One of the key protective factors in mitigating the effects of ACEs is the presence of a trusted adult in a child’s life. This might be a coach, mentor, or community leader. At TackleLondon, our rugby coaches serve not just as trainers, but as role models who are deeply committed to supporting each child’s emotional well-being.
Our programs aim to provide safe spaces where children can form trusting relationships with adults who guide them both on and off the field. These relationships are crucial in helping young people develop resilience, improve their coping mechanisms, and foster a sense of safety, which may be lacking in other areas of their lives. Having a mentor who listens and cares about their success can help shift a child’s outlook, providing them with the confidence to tackle both their personal challenges and their future ambitions.
3. The Values of Rugby
Rugby’s core values—integrity, respect, solidarity, passion, and discipline—are at the heart of TackleLondon’s approach. These principles not only guide our coaching methods but also shape the way young people interact with each other and their communities. Integrity and respect teach young people to be accountable and compassionate, while solidarity fosters the importance of working together, particularly when facing adversity.
By instilling these values, TackleLondon equips young people with the tools they need to make better life choices, form healthier relationships, and develop a strong moral compass. These values act as a foundation for resilience, providing young people with the inner strength to overcome challenges posed by their ACEs.
At TackleLondon, we understand that addressing the effects of ACEs is not just about mitigating the damage but about empowering young people to rise above their circumstances. Through the powerful combination of sport, trusted adult relationships, and the values of rugby, we help young people build the resilience they need to shape brighter, more fulfilling futures.
Sport has always been a vehicle for change, and through our dedicated efforts, we aim to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of children affected by adversity.