Persistent young offenders: A retrospective study

The Impact of a Sports Initiative for Young Men in Prison

“…Although not a primary aim, participation in the academies was perceived by the young men as well as prison and delivery staff to offer benefits within the prison environment at an individual and cultural level. In line with previous research (Dubbery, 2010; Murtaza & Uddin, 2011), participants reported that—from an individual perspective—taking part in the academies improved their quality of life within prison by providing something to focus on, alleviating boredom and frustration while providing an incentive for good behavior. At the level of prison culture, those involved described how the academies had served to dissipate barriers between groups of prisoners, as well as between prisoners and prison staff, and were subjectively associated with improved behavior on the wings more generally.…”

“…Focus groups and interviews with young people and staff highlighted the enthusiasm for such an energetic learning approach and identified perceived positive gains in terms of improved relations between prisoners, as well as between prisoners and staff, providing an incentive to improve behavior, coping with prison life, acquisition of life skills, the achievement of a qualification and improved confidence and hope regarding opportunities after release. Quantitative improvements in general attitudes toward offending, anticipation of reoffending, victim hurt denial, evaluation of crime being worthwhile, and perception of current life problems were also identified (Dubberley, 2010).…”