Fight for Peace were proud to be invited to deliver a workshop at the 2025 Sporting Communities Youth Innovation Conference – a valuable opportunity to share our approach to embedding youth leadership throughout our organisation. 

Representing Fight for Peace was a dynamic group made up of Primary Intervention Manager Leo, current Youth Power member Aladdin, and former Youth Power members Tommy and Zaynab, who have since transitioned into staff roles.

Together, the team co-designed and delivered an engaging workshop for both young people and professionals, focusing on the transformative power of youth leadership. Drawing from their personal journeys, the team shared how being involved in youth leadership at Fight for Peace has shaped their growth and opened doors both personally and professionally.

At Fight for Peace, youth leadership is a vital part of our DNA. When young people are provided with the environment to lead, they not only develop confidence and a sense of belonging, but they shape the structure and culture of our organisation. By involving young people in decision-making at every level we ensure that our work remains authentic in supporting the communities we serve.

Each member of the team brought their unique experiences into the planning and delivery of the workshop, which included interactive activities that encouraged participants to reflect on their own approach to youth leadership. The session focused on five key steps to building an effective youth council: Identifying Purpose and Goals, Building a Team, Structuring the Council, Gaining Support, and Taking Action.

“The main activity was built around those five steps,” explained Primary Intervention Manager, Leo. “It was impactful because we broke every step down and created space for everyone to contribute. It was powerful hearing about different approaches to youth leadership from others in the room.  We opened it up so people could discuss how they might build or strengthen their own youth councils.”

“Two young people in particular were really shy upon arrival, but by the end one of them had built up enough confidence to present in front of 40 people. Another young person left feeling inspired to start a youth council of his own.”

Feedback from the organisers echoed the strength of the team’s contribution. Sporting Communities shared, “your insights and expertise undoubtedly inspired our guests and young attendees and left a lasting impact. The energy and ideas shared throughout the conference were incredible, and your role in that was pivotal.”

Current Youth Power member, Aladdin reflected on his own journey through youth leadership: “not many people my age had the experience of leading workshops and being looked at as someone others go to for guidance.”

Having joined Fight for Peace at age 14, Aladdin is now 25 and continues to advocate for the power of youth leadership. “It gives young people a head start in life. When you’ve had the opportunity to lead early on, you’re better equipped to transition into adulthood and reach your goals faster.”

“It’s evident that people have gained tremendous success after being part of a project like Fight for Peace. It’s absurd to me that it doesn’t exist all over the country, or the world. I’ll always take the opportunity to represent an organisation that’s helped me and so many others unlock our potential.”

The presence of Sport England at the event was another highlight. As a long-time supporter of Fight for Peace, their commitment to youth leadership is reflected in their Youth Innovation Storybook released in April 2025. The initiative reinforces the growing momentum behind implementing youth voice within the sports sector to engage young people in sporting activities across the country. 

At Fight for Peace, we’re proud to be part of a movement that proves just how powerful young voices can be. By continuing to share our approach and learn from others, we hope to see youth leadership embedded far and wide.

Thank you to Sporting Communities for having us at the conference and providing the opportunity for our young leaders to share their experiences, and inspire others to implement youth leadership within their organisations.

Youth Leadership is an integral part of Fight for Peace’s Five Pillars Methodology combining Boxing and Martial Arts, Employability, Education, Youth Leadership and Support Services to equip young people with the skills and experience to become champions in the ring, and champions in life.