01 Jan 2020

Empowering youth through Talking Tactics Programme

Five years ago, we shared the story of Taylor, a young participant on the Advantage Mentoring Talking Tactics programme at Arsenal in the Community. Back then, Taylor worked closely with mentor Jack Ferguson, learning to express his emotions, build friendships and improve his mental health.

His journey showed how the programme offered something unique: a supportive, inspiring space where young people could develop real-life skills and confidence.

What set Talking Tactics apart was its ability to keep young people engaged through mental health mentoring, personalised goal-setting and mentors who understood their cultural and local context – all delivered over a six-month period with sessions once a week. Taylor once said he thought he would “abandon the project after a couple of months”, but instead he grew in confidence, stuck with it and even strengthened his connection with his Arsenal-supporting family.

From one story to many more: the data speaks

Since Taylor’s journey, many more young people have followed in his footsteps. Between January 2021 and September 2024, the Child Outcomes Research Consortium (CORC) conducted a national evaluation of Talking Tactics, and the findings confirm what we’ve seen on the ground: this programme delivers real, measurable change.

Key insights from the CORC evaluation:

Statistically significant improvements across all wellbeing outcome measures.
Goal-based outcomes showed the largest gains: average scores rose from 3.1 to 6.9 - a 3.8-point increase, far above the 2.45 threshold for meaningful change.
92.6% progressed toward their goals.
78% reported improvements in overall wellbeing.
65% felt less stressed and more able to manage pressure.
76% improved their day-to-day life functioning.

These results confirm that Talking Tactics doesn’t just support young people – it helps transform their lives for the better.

Still the same mission, now reaching even further

Today, young people taking part in Talking Tactics continue to report feeling more supported, more confident and better able to face life’s challenges. Whether sessions are delivered online or in person, Arsenal in the Community mentors meet young people where they are, without judgment, and help them grow.

And while the data tells a powerful story, the real impact is seen in each participant’s journey. Young people are learning how to achieve their wellbeing goals in a space that is welcoming, engaging and empowering.

“Supporting more young people, improving their confidence - that means a better future for all,” says Jack Ferguson, Senior Education Manager at Arsenal in the Community.

Thanks to continued support from the NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board and Advantage Mentoring, the Talking Tactics programme has been extended for an additional 12 months, enabling more young people to feel supported, confident and mentally prepared for the future.

As we celebrate 40 years of Arsenal in the Community, we remain committed to putting football at the heart of positive change - real impact. Real data. Real change in Islington and Camden.

To find out more about Talking Tactics email Jack Ferguson at jferguson@arsenal.co.ukor visit www.advantagementoring.co.uk/talking-tactics.

Words by Judith-Akua Arthur