Within Every Youth Lies a World Ready to Be Unlocked

A Potential Unlocked: A Story of Belonging and Growth for 2 Youths

For many youths, football is more than just a game. It is a passion, a dream—and sometimes, a potential unlocked. Such was the journey of Marcus and Sufyan*.

Their first encounters with Boys’ Town YouthReach were not planned. They were unexpected moments that changed everything.

A Chance Meeting

“It’s actually a funny story,” Marcus laughs. “I was waiting for a friend when this guy came up to me and said he was a youth worker. I was nervous at first, but then we started talking and we discovered we both loved football.”

Sufyan’s journey began in a similar way. He was playing football late at night on a street court with friends when a youth worker stopped by, simply wanting to connect. That simple chat led to an invitation—to join YouthReach’s football training sessions. He has never missed a session since.

More Than Just a Game

For Marcus and Sufyan, these training sessions became more than just a football programme. It became their second home. Their fondest moments were off the pitch - during dinners, the laughs and the conversations after the trainings, and the support they received from Boys’ Town YouthReach’s youth workers.

The transformation they have experienced goes far beyond football

Marcus, once shy and withdrawn, now speaks with confidence. He found his voice among teammates who listened and cared. Sufyan, full of raw talent, discovered focus and purpose. With the guidance of youth workers and the support of his peers, he was selected by a professional Singapore team, a step closer to achieving his dream he never thought was possible.

Through trusted relationships, mentoring, and safe spaces like the football youth development programme, Boys’ Town YouthReach continues to help young people not only stay off the streets, but to step into their potential.

*Not their real names

*Stock images used

About Boys’ Town YouthReach

YouthReach is the outreach arm of Boys’ Town that works with at-risk youths who have fallen through the cracks. We serve youths aged 10 to 24 who come from complex family and socio-economic backgrounds, often facing issues such as poor school performance, dropouts, conflicting family relationships, self-harm, addictions, and gang associations. Through a range of youth outreach services and school programmes, we provide a safe and supportive environment where they can rediscover their strengths, build resilience and create a brighter future. At the same time, we actively engage the community to foster an environment where at-risk youth can feel valued and supported.

Our three-pronged approach to supporting youths:

Outreach: Our outreach efforts form the heart of our youth development programmes, such as street outreach or canteen outreach. We actively seek out and connect with at-risk youths in their communities, building relationships based on trust and understanding.

Intervention:We also provide comprehensive intervention services designed to empower at-risk youths and support their personal, social and educational development, including case management and group sessions.

Advocacy: Our commitment to at-risk youth extends beyond direct support. Through a range of initiatives, we build bridges between young individuals and their surrounding communities, creating a network of support that empowers them to thrive.