Fitzrovia Youth in Action (FYA)

FYA was launched by young adults in 1997 to reduce vandalism and antisocial behaviour around the Warren football pitch and play area behind Tottenham Court Road in central London.

FYA's work takes place in an area with high levels of deprivation, crime and territorial conflict among young people. It seeks to address tensions between young people from different ethnic groups and between young people and residents living around the local area. It supports a range of community-based activities including:

Weekly football training sessions providing opportunities for young people aged eight to 16 from different ethnic communities to play together. There are specific sessions for girls. The project has begun a weekly basketball session as an alternative to football. The annual Unity Cup, organised by a committee of young people from different projects, comprises a series of 5-a-side match days bringing together different (largely territorial) teams and projects across the borough.

Inter-generational project bringing together local residents and young people who spend time in the recreation area outside their homes. Activities include community planting days, street parties and local residents' survey

Peer-led drug project, through which young people increase knowledge and awareness of drugs among other young people.

Local residents believe the FYA's activities have improved the area, and the police have credited the project with a reduction in local youth disorder.