An investigation by BBC Radio 5 Live earlier this month revealed a disturbing increase in the number of teenagers involved in football hooliganism. Figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) show that violent incidents featuring young people aged 20 or under have increased almost threefold since 2007, and last season, more than 100 cases of youth hooliganism were recorded. The figures also show that 290 young people in the UK currently have a football banning order, the youngest being just 13 years old.
Start a discussion about football hooligans. How do young people feel about hooliganism? Have they experienced it first hand? How were they affected by it? Ask young people why they feel teenagers are becoming more involved in football hooliganism. What's the appeal? Is fighting fun because it's dangerous? Does it show young people are passionate about their team? Or is hooliganism not always about football? Some young people admit that hooliganism is about fighting to protect their local area. Some hooligans believe that they are true football fans, because they are willing to fight for their club.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
