The Edge picks up on government research which suggests that in addition to insufficient awareness, young people's involvement can be held back by the perception of organised activities as something reserved only for the very sporty or talented. Other hurdles to taking part can be peer group pressure because teenagers prioritise friends and leisure time over taking part in activities and are often put off if their friends don't take part; and low self-confidence and lack of self-belief in their ability to take part.
Children and young people's minister Dawn Primarolo has called on local authorities to find ways of ensuring all young people know about the activities and places for them to go in their area and are able to take part.
Elsewhere The Edge looks at the role sport can play in challenging gun and knife crime. Professor Tim Crabbe of Sheffield Hallam University explores how it can provide an alternative kind of "gang" for those at risk of involvement.
A range of plans put forward by councils to improve local quality of life, including subsidised travel for young people and proper recognition of engagement with youth work, as part of the Sustainable Communities Act are also covered. The Local Government Association will be drawing up a list of proposals to put to government at the end of the year.
Another feature questions whether girls' work is taking a back seat to work with young men. Participatory budgeting is reviewed, with the conclusion that it could be crucial to local democracy. The Edge also looks at the Inspiring Communities initiative, which aims to boost the aspirations and achievements of young people; how pride in Hull as a good place to live was restored and an inquiry into the state of youth work practice, which highlights increasing dilemmas as youth work struggles to preserve its traditional values in the light of increasingly prescriptive youth policy.
The Edge is available free of charge on request - email Rita Kotecha on ritak@nya.org.uk to be added to the mailing list, or as a download on The NYA website at www.nya.org.uk
