This is probably worth a thread of its own, but I have nothing of any real value to add - as a middle-aged non-breeder
BBC
BBC Sport looks at the role sports coaches are playing in steering young people away from the influences of toxic masculinity.
www.bbc.co.uk
Of course you do, I run a mentorship programm for local NEET and at risk YP's, and some of the most talented and beneficial volunteers come from people who didn't think they had anything to contribute!
I don't want to get into the stupidity of the toxic masculinity debate, but positive male role models, especially those with masculine traits are incredibly important to a generation of young boys lost, and failing at every aspect of life.
After a decade in the 3rd sector, the stats around boys and societal failure issues are stark, young boys are flooding youth justice programmes, homeless hostels, are failing school, and are criminalised at double the rates I was seeing 10 years ago!
More boys today are fear based than ever before, you see them all the time, sun's out, high heat and they are dressed in all black, hoods up, hoodies on, even masks...
I'll give a great example, I run a small wild walk peer mentorship programme, I take young previously criminalised boys/men out of the city for a days hike with a positive peer.
Not only do these boys melt out of their gangsta character, a huge amount turn into 10 year olds again, they frolick, I mean actually run through bushes, they flick water, they jump out and scare each other, they explore rocks and branches lol. It is incredible to see, and when they return they have this new style of communicating, almost like a treasured memory they cannot help to discuss in the future. 'Bro, remember when I nearly fell down that mountain?'
I'd encourage you to go and help out, it's incredibly rewarding, just make sure you develop a hard edge, and tell yourself 'I'm not really a ****, it's just his communication style' hahahaha
Great article though, apologies for the rant, this is a hugely important issue in 2025, that the only time is discussed is framed as 'masculinity bad' and full on triggers me hahaha
