New 'Set-Piece' Programme Launched to help Support Young People in North Bristol

Image: Bristol Rovers Community Trust, 'Set-Piece' Programme 13/02/26.

Bristol Rovers Community Trust, in partnership with Lockleaze Sports Centre (LSC), St Marys and St James Church, and The Vench, have launched and begun delivering, ‘Set Piece,’ a powerful new early-intervention project in North Bristol helping local children to develop important life skills such as resilience, teamwork and how they can manage their emotions.

Set Piece combines sport, mentoring, and wellbeing sessions to support 48 children aged 8–11 in building confidence and making good choices, strengthening their progress in school, improving their relationships with others, and shaping positive attitudes towards learning, daily challenges and their future.

Set Piece commenced in October and is hosted weekly at Lockleaze Sports Centre, combining fun, high-energy sports activities with mentoring, life-skills development, and emotional wellbeing workshops and classroom sessions. The programme has been co-designed with young people and local services to ensure the support reflects the real challenges children face in their communities. Once a month children have the chance to visit The Vench Adventure Playground & Community Centre, also in Lockleaze, to develop further life skills such as cooking as well as connecting with more positive activities in the area.

Craig Capel, Managing Director at Lockleaze Sports Centre added:

"This programme gives children the safe space, trusted adults and positive role models they need. By working closely with our local schools, families, other services, and our ‘home’ sports clubs, we can make a life-changing difference at a critical stage of their development"

Rob Smith, Vicar of St Mary & St James Church added:

"Set Piece creates a positive pathway for children at a crucial time in their lives, helping reduce future risks and building safer, stronger communities"

Through Set-Piece, children will:

1. Build healthy, positive friendships

2. Learn to manage emotions and resolve conflict

3. Grow in confidence and communication

4. Improve engagement in school

5. Stay active and enjoy physical activity in a safe, supportive environment

Frazer Phillips, BRCT Head of Sport:

"Working with these young people each week, we have seen how quickly positive support can spark confidence, interest and enjoyment. Providing the children with consistent guidance and engaging experiences early will allow them to develop important life skills and build stronger relationships, helping them to increase their self-esteem and feel secure enough to thrive in their futures." 

Set-Piece has been made possible thanks to the support of local partners, Avon & Somerset Police, the community, and National Lottery Awards for All funding. The programme will run until December 2027, with the ambition of becoming a permanent part of youth provision at Lockleaze Sports Centre.

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