SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
‘The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust’ (YGAM) has expanded its educational network by forming a new ‘training alliance’ with UK youth sports charity StreetGames and the Yorkshire Sport Foundation (YSF).
Aiming to prevent gamin and gambling-harms amongst young people, YGAM has developed ’bespoke training sessions’ for StreetGames and YSF to help their volunteers identify risks and problem behaviours.
StreetGames and YSF will be able to take advantage of YGAM’s full resources, securing in-depth knowledge to manage the complexities of identifying and engaging with youths who may be experiencing gaming and gambling-related harms.
YGAM National Education Manager Sam Starsmore said: “Working with sports clubs and groups is a natural progression for YGAM and something we have been making progress on for some time. There is a clear alignment in our values and mission, to safeguard children and ensure each young person gets a healthy start in life.”
In its statement, YGAM underlined the importance of expanding its educational network through frontline Youth charities, which often serve as the first point of contact for youngsters seeking advice and support on harms.
“We are looking forward to supporting YGAM and working with YSF in the Yorkshire region, on an issue which too often has a real and detrimental impact on communities,” added Halima Khan from StreetGames.
“We hope this training will help raise awareness of the potential issues caused by gaming and gambling, as well as offering ways to prevent the harm this can cause.”
2020 has seen YGAM significantly expand its support network, forming educational partnerships with the National Union of Students (NUS) and UNISON the UK’s largest trade union.
Gillian Brown, Safeguarding Lead for Yorkshire Sport Foundation, added: “ The safety and welfare of young people is of utmost importance to Yorkshire Sport Foundation, and we are committed to working with local sports clubs and organisations to raise awareness of issues that can affect young people. We hope through our involvement, we can spread the messages and help to reduce the harm caused to young people through gaming and gambling.”
