‘Youth clubs helped me’: Efe Obada calls for funding for centres for young people

In London, NFL star recalls how youth programmes were his safe place' and says children lack fun and support'

• Young people crying out' for return to youth clubs

On Friday evening, at a youth club not far from some of north-west London's most deprived housing estates, hoots and yelps of excitement filled the air as children pelted the NFL star Efe Obada with American footballs.

The Washington Commanders defensive lineman, who grew up in foster care in south London after being trafficked to Britain, relied on youth organisations like this one as his safe place".