CompletedInterventional

Evaluation of the Inspiring Futures intervention

The "Inspiring Futures" study tests a new programme for 12-14 year olds in schools across Northern England. It aims to see if combining sports and mentoring, led by Rugby Football League coaches, can help young people improve their behaviour, manage their emotions, and build social skills. Many young people face challenges, and this programme hopes to give them extra support. Schools are randomly chosen to either run the programme or continue as usual. Students taking part will fill out questionnaires about their feelings and behaviour. The study also tracks things like school attendance. It hopes to show that this programme can lead to improved behaviour and better engagement at school, with very few risks for participants.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Ipsos (United Kingdom)

Enrolment target

1,254

Start

01 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

14 Apr 2025

This encompasses externalising behaviours (conduct problems and hyperactivity) which form the primary outcome measure, as well as internalising behaviours (emotional problems and peer problems) which are measured as secondary outcomes. The intervention aims to address these behavioural difficulties through a sports-based mentoring programme that focuses on regulating and managing emotions.

What is this study about?

Many young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can face tough situations that might lead to difficulties with their behaviour or schoolwork. The "Inspiring Futures" study is looking into a programme designed to give these children extra support.

The programme uses sports activities, led by trained Rugby Football League coaches, combined with mentoring. The idea is that through playing sports and working with a mentor, young people can learn important skills like how to control their emotions, work well in a team, and make good decisions. The study wants to find out if this approach can really help improve behaviour and how students feel about themselves and others.

This study is being run in schools across various areas of Northern England. By comparing schools that run the "Inspiring Futures" programme with those that don't, researchers hope to clearly see how effective it is. The ultimate goal is to find new and engaging ways to help young people overcome challenges and succeed.

Key takeaways

It's for 12-14 year olds who might benefit from extra support.
It uses sports and mentoring to help improve behaviour and emotional control.
The programme is run by Rugby Football League coaches in schools.
It aims to see if this approach makes a positive difference for young people.
Students complete questionnaires and school records are reviewed.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for young people aged 12 to 14, typically in school years 8 and 9. It focuses on students who could benefit from extra support with their behaviour and emotional wellbeing.

Schools will help decide who takes part. They will look at things like how students behave in school, their attendance, any support they're already getting, and if they're interested in sports activities.

To join, a student must be in years 8 or 9 (as of September 2024) and meet the selection criteria helped by their school. Most importantly, both the student and their parent or guardian must agree for them to take part in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you in Year 8 or 9 (aged 12-14) in September 2024?
Does your school think you could benefit from extra support with behaviour or wellbeing?
Are your parents/guardians happy for you to take part?
Are you happy to take part yourself?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a school takes part, they'll either be chosen to run the "Inspiring Futures" programme or to continue their usual school activities. If your child's school is chosen for the programme, and they're selected, they would attend twelve weekly sessions, each lasting two hours. These sessions, led by Rugby League coaches, will involve sports and mentoring activities.

All students who participate in the study will be asked to fill out questionnaires at the beginning, and again about five months later. These questionnaires will ask about their feelings, behaviour, and how they get along with others. The study will also look at common school records like how often students attend school and if they've been excluded, as well as general information about their wellbeing. The study will run until April 2026, with the main activities happening between January and July 2025, and data collection finishing by December 2025.

Potential risks and benefits

Students who take part in the "Inspiring Futures" programme might see several positive changes. These could include better behaviour, learning to manage their emotions more effectively, building stronger friendships, and feeling more involved and positive about school. There are very few risks involved in taking part. While some students might feel a little shy or uncomfortable at first when talking about their feelings or experiences, the programme is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing and growing. You can always choose to stop participating in the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Rugby League Foundation
City only
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if a sports and mentoring programme can help 12-14 year olds improve their behaviour and manage their emotions better.

Who is running this programme?

The programme is delivered by coaches from the Rugby Football League.

Where is the study happening?

It's taking place in schools in several towns across Northern England, like Wigan, Leeds, and Hull.

How long will the programme sessions last?

Each session lasts two hours, and there will be twelve weekly sessions in total.

Who is paying for this study?

The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) is providing the funding for this research.

How to find out more

Facundo Herrera

facundo.herrera@ipsos.com +44 (0)7947443259 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.