The 2nd Chance project began as a custodial sports based programme at HMP & YOI Ashfield. It was designed to engage young offenders, improve their behaviour, achievement, skills and attitudes. Through the creation of many community partnerships a number of pathways were introduced offering offenders’ a variety of alternative opportunities linked to education, training and employment. The formation of the 2nd Chance Project as a Community Interest Company (not for profit) and a successful funding grant from the Football Foundation, allowed the project to provide a greater impact on young offenders within HMP & YOI Ashfield.

Our first year created so much interest with everyone who visited the project at Ashfield, that it wasn't long before we felt we could become the driving force behind replicating our model nationally across a variety of secure establishments and within the community. We have already started to develop similar models within HMYOI Portland and Rio Cobre a correctional centre in Jamaica and we are in discussions with many more.

Due to the early success our model has received using sport to engage some of the hardest to reach young people, we felt that we could develop our range of programmes and engage young people at risk within the community, who also need a second chance at life. Our future plans are to develop our infrastructure and become our very own coaching, education and training centre.