Safety, belonging and fun
Build each session on psychological safety, trusted relationships, belonging and enjoyment.
Trauma-informed basketball
Beyondthe Ball.
A ten-week programme using trauma-informed basketball to support young people aged 11–15.
Because not everyone learns through talking, and every young person deserves support in the way that is right for them.
Why Beyond the Ball
A different way to support young people.
For the past four years, LDM has worked with Katalyst4Change to develop as a trauma-informed organisation and apply trauma-informed practice to sports coaching. Together, we created Beyond the Ball: a different way to support young people who may be at risk of school exclusion or involvement in crime by combining trauma-informed knowledge with basketball.
Why it matters
Why trauma-informed support matters.
- Without the right support, childhood trauma can increase the risk of school exclusion and involvement in the youth justice system.
- Trauma can affect emotional regulation, trust and decision-making, shaping how a young person responds under pressure.
- Sport can offer routine, belonging and positive relationships — a practical, low-pressure way to rehearse different responses.
How it works
A different way of learning
Adapted games and drills
Use basketball activities designed to support participants affected by trauma.
Practice, not punishment
Treat difficult moments as supported opportunities to practise new ways of responding.
Trauma-informed coaches
Use coaches with relevant lived and practical experience who are trained in trauma-informed sports coaching.
Programme format
How the programme runs
Ages
11–15
Length
10 weeks
Frequency
Once a week
Location
At the commissioning school or organisation, or through the programme at Mandela Community Centre
LDM is happy to discuss another arrangement that better meets the group's needs.
What happens next
What can happen after the ten weeks
At the end of the programme, young people can continue with LDM through regular sessions for as long as they wish. Depending on their interests, they may choose to join a team, take part in the leadership programme or explore future opportunities connected to basketball.
Get in touch
Talk to us about Beyond the Ball
If your school or organisation would like to explore a Beyond the Ball programme, contact Kathryn Hodgson or complete the enquiry form. We are happy to discuss what would work best for your young people.
Evidence and further reading
- Responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences: an evidence review of interventions to prevent and address adversity across the life course
- What Works to Prevent ACEs at the Community Level
- The prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences in the lives of juvenile offenders
- Adverse and positive childhood experiences and children's involvement in violence
- No safe space: cumulative disadvantage, school exclusion, victimisation and offending
- “It’s just misunderstood kids”: school exclusion, SEND and inequality
- Recent studies concerning Adverse Childhood Experiences and physical activity in adolescents
- Neurodivergent children and families in need of trauma-informed support
Funded by
