New Exeter City Community Trust initiative supports young people at risk of crime

A new programme from Exeter City Community Trust aims to prevent young people across Greater Exeter from becoming involved in crime.

The organisation, which is the partner charity of Exeter City Football Club, has launched  Change Our Path (COP), a new programme designed to support disengaged young people aged 12–18 who are involved in, or at risk of, youth crime and educational disengagement.

A unique element of the initiative is the involvement of Exeter City FC’s men’s and women’s first-team players, along with academy players, who will act as mentors and role models. By sharing their experiences on and off the pitch, they will help inspire and motivate participants to make positive life choices.

The programme is part of the Players’ Project Pilot, funded by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), with additional funding support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Devon and Cornwall. It is one of 14 professional football club charity projects across England and Wales to benefit from this pioneering pilot scheme.

Through COP, young people will be offered a holistic package of support including educational guidance, mentoring, physical activity and life skills training. The programme combines classroom-based learning, practical workshops, and engaging extracurricular activities to help participants develop confidence, resilience, and positive aspirations for the future.

One of the players closely involved is Exeter City first team player and Finnish international, Ilmari Niskanen.

He said: “Being part of this programme is something I take very seriously. I’ve already had the chance to meet some of the young people, and it’s clear how much of a difference this support can make. I know from my own journey how important it is to have guidance and positive role models and I hope I can use my experiences to encourage and inspire them to make the best choices for their future.”

Exeter City Women striker Sophie Gillies is also involved in the programme. She said: “As a supporter-owned club, these types of initiatives are really important. It shows that there is so much more to football than 90 minutes on the pitch and that the power of football can really be harnessed to changes people’s lives. I’m looking forward to working with the young people in the coming months.”

The project is also being supported by the OPCC. Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, will visit St James Park on Tuesday at 2.30–4pm to meet the young people, Exeter City Community Trust staff, and Ilmari Niskanen, as well as hear directly from participants about their experiences.

Danny Harris, head of services at Exeter City Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted to see the Change Our Path programme already beginning to make a difference. The young people involved are engaging with our mentors and activities, and we’re beginning to see the impact of providing this kind of tailored support. By working closely with Exeter City players, we’re able to create real, positive connections that can inspire participants to see new opportunities for their future. This programme is already proving to be both impactful and inspiring.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “I wholeheartedly support any initiative that helps protect vulnerable people at risk of exploitation. The evidence shows projects like this can turn lives around and prevent offending.   

“To change our society, we must help our young people succeed. Engaging through sport is a great method, particularly young men. Change Our Path is a fantastic example of the difference positive role models and targeted support can make in young peoples’ lives. 

“My office is funding £60,000 on youth diversionary work at not just ECFC but also Plymouth Argyle. It’s great to see their successes in EFL League One are being used constructively within our communities. My office has also invested £250,000 on antisocial behaviour outreach across Devon and Cornwall.” 

The Change Our Path programme reflects Exeter City Community Trust’s ongoing commitment to using the power of football to make a positive difference in the community.

www.exetercct.org