Our work

Inclusion through sport

We deliver open and accessible sessions that place participation, enjoyment, and connection at the heart of everything we do. Designed for children, young people, and adults of all backgrounds and abilities, these sessions create welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong regardless of experience, identity, or circumstance.

At  FURD, sport is more than just an activity; it’s a powerful tool for bringing people together. Our sessions encourage teamwork, build confidence, and support physical and mental well-being, while also creating opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships.

For over 30 years, we have used sport to break down barriers, challenge exclusion, and create shared experiences that unite communities. Whether someone is stepping onto a pitch for the first time or returning to sport, our focus is simple: to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part, feel valued, and be part of something bigger.

Youth engagement & development

Our youth programmes combine sport, mentoring, and education to support young people to grow in confidence, develop leadership, and build essential life skills. At FURD, we create safe and supportive environments where young people are encouraged to express themselves, explore their potential, and shape their own futures.

Through regular sessions, workshops, and one-to-one support, we help young people build resilience, improve communication, and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. Sport provides the entry point, but the impact goes far beyond the pitch, supporting progression into education, employment, volunteering, and community leadership.

For over 30 years, our approach has been about more than participation; it’s about pathways. Many of the young people we work with go on to become volunteers, coaches, and role models within their communities, creating a cycle of positive change. By investing in young people today, we are helping to build stronger, more connected communities for the future.

Employability & pathways

We provide practical, personalised support to help young people move confidently into education, training, and employment. At FURD, we recognise that every journey is different, which is why our approach is tailored to individual needs, aspirations, and circumstances.

Through one-to-one guidance, workshops, and real-world opportunities, we support young people to build CVs, develop interview skills, gain qualifications, and access meaningful work experience. Our focus is not just on getting a job, but on building long-term confidence, ambition, and direction.

We also work in partnership with a range of trusted and reputable organisations across Sheffield, creating pathways into employment, training, and further education. These partnerships strengthen the opportunities available and ensure young people are connected to the right support networks.

For over 30 years, our work has helped individuals overcome barriers and unlock their potentialcreating pathways that lead not only to employment, but to independence, stability, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Community cohesion

Our work in community cohesion is long-term, intentional, and rooted in building trust, understanding, and meaningful relationships between people from different backgrounds. At Football Unites Racism Divides (FURD), we create spaces where people can come together, share experiences, and find common ground, especially in times when division and misunderstanding can feel strongest.

Through dialogue, shared activities, and community-led initiatives, we bring individuals and groups into contact in ways that break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. Whether through sport, cultural exchange, or facilitated conversations, our focus is on creating environments where people feel heard, respected, and connected.

For over 30 years, FURD has been at the forefront of strengthening community relations, responding to local and national challenges, and supporting communities to stand together. This work is not quick or easy, but it is essential. By investing in relationships and trust over time, we help build communities that are more resilient, inclusive, and better equipped to face the future together.

Health & wellbeing

We provide holistic support for both physical and mental well-being through activity, connection, and targeted support. At FURD, we understand that well-being goes beyond physical health; it’s about feeling connected, supported, and able to cope with everyday challenges.

Our sessions include a range of inclusive activities such as walking football, fitness sessions, and group-based programmes, alongside safe spaces where individuals can talk, share, and access support. We also offer more targeted interventions, including one-to-one guidance and partnerships with specialist organisations to ensure people receive the help they need.

For many, our programmes provide a vital lifeline, reducing isolation, improving confidence, and creating a sense of routine and belonging.  Our approach has shown that when people are supported in a safe and welcoming environment, they are more likely to improve their well-being and stay connected to their community.

By bringing people together through shared experiences, we help individuals not only improve their health but also build stronger relationships and a greater sense of purpose.

International work

Our international work is built on strong partnerships that share learning, exchange ideas, and promote inclusion through sport across borders. At Football Unites Racism Divides (FURD), we have worked alongside organisations such as UEFA through our partnership with FARE Network, contributing to initiatives across Europe that use football to challenge discrimination and bring people together.

We continue to collaborate with national sport governing bodies, as well as local government partners and universities, to develop and deliver initiatives that promote inclusion, cohesion, and community engagement. These partnerships allow us to share best practices, influence wider systems, and create opportunities that go beyond local impact.

For over 30 years, FURD has understood that the challenges of exclusion and division are not limited by geography. By working locally, nationally, and internationally, we remain committed to building connections, shaping new ideas, and contributing to a more inclusive and united future through sport.