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Preliminary Evaluation of a Targeted, School-Based Social and Emotional Learning Intervention for at Risk Youth: Football Beyond Borders

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  • Qiqi Cheng
  • Neil Humphrey

Abstract

This brief report provides preliminary independent evidence of the efficacy of Football Beyond Borders (FBB), a targeted, school-based social and emotional learning (SEL) intervention for at-risk youth. FBB includes weekly SEL classroom sessions, activities on the football pitch, 1:1 therapy sessions, holiday support, and rewards trips. Propensity score matching and difference-in-differences estimation were used in a pre-test/post-test control group design to assess the impact of FBB on the mental wellbeing (assessed via the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, SWEMWBS) of participants designated at-risk ( N = 46 aged 12–14, 78.3% male), passive learners ( N = 72, aged 12–14, 84.7% male), and role models ( N = 35, aged 12–14, 85.7% male), with matched control samples derived from a subset of the #BeeWell cohort study ( N = 8015). A significant intervention effect was observed for at-risk youth, with FBB leading to an increase of approximately 2.4 SWEMWBS points ( d = 0.44). No significant intervention effects were observed for passive learners or role models. These results indicate that FBB can improve the mental wellbeing of at-risk youth. Accordingly, an explanatory trial is warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiqi Cheng & Neil Humphrey, 2025. "Preliminary Evaluation of a Targeted, School-Based Social and Emotional Learning Intervention for at Risk Youth: Football Beyond Borders," Evaluation Review, , vol. 49(5), pages 914-930, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:49:y:2025:i:5:p:914-930
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X251329459
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