Gareth Southgate’s recent comments on young men and boys could not have been more timely. His concerns about their lack of role models, increasing isolation, and vulnerability to unhealthy influences resonate deeply, with British Muslim communities grappling with many of the same issues.
In 2023, Andrew Tate was the third most Googled person worldwide and the second most searched in the UK. His influence, along with that of other figures in the “manosphere” – a growing movement of hyper-masculine, anti-woke culture warriorsm highlights the deepening crisis facing young men and boys. With increasing exposure to harmful online content, many are being drawn into toxic ideologies in search of direction and purpose.
The Decline of Youth Spaces & Role Models
Southgate has pointed out that:
“Boys are spending less time at youth centres, sports facilities, and community events. They aren’t meeting the traditional role models I used to meet, such as coaches, youth workers, and teachers.”
While many mosques across the country are providing spaces for young men, through youth clubs, community events, and mentorship programs—there is still much work to do.
Initiatives like the Our Mosques Our Future conference have emphasised the importance of mosques not just as places of worship but as hubs for community engagement.
For those looking to build better youth engagement, Here For Youth has published practical guides:
✅ How To EET (Effectively Engage Teenagers)
✅ How to Run a Successful Youth Hub
The Impact of Public Sector Cuts
One of the biggest factors in the crisis has been the devastating impact of austerity on youth services. Research by UNISON found that between 2010 and 2023, over two-thirds of council-run youth centres in England and Wales closed—dropping from 1,824 to just 581.
Without access to safe, structured environments, more boys are turning to online echo chambers, reliance on pornography, crime, drug abuse, gambling, and extremist ideologies. Algorithm-driven social media feeds increasingly shape their worldviews, replacing the guidance of real-life mentors.
The Role of Family & Faith
Islam places a strong emphasis on the family unit, making it especially concerning that in the UK today, 2.5 million children do not live with a father figure – one in five of all dependent children. The Centre for Social Justice’s recent Lost Boys report links family breakdown to the growing crisis of masculinity, arguing that “the root of this problem is in the home.”
British Muslim communities are particularly affected. The Muslim Youth Alliance, highlights census figures that almost 50% of British Muslims are under the age of 24—compared to just 33% in the overall population. Their experiences differ significantly from national averages, highlighting the need for tailored support.
Barriers to Work & Mental Health Struggles
For many young Muslim men, barriers to education and employment are compounding the crisis. The Social Mobility Commission’s 2017 report found that Muslim boys had lower GCSE attainment compared to their peers and faced employer bias in career progression.
The mental health impact of these challenges is profound. The inability to work and provide for their families, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis and social stigma, has led to an alarming rise in mental health issues. Jamille Hekmoun, Chair of the Muslim Mental Health Alliance, highlights the scale of the problem.
The UK government is currently running a national consultation on youth strategy, aiming to shape future policies. A joined-up approach between the public sector, charities, and faith-based organisations has never been more critical. ( Find out more)
Southgate’s personal reflections on missing a crucial penalty in Euro ‘96 and overcoming early setbacks in his career offer a refreshing take on leadership – one that is sorely lacking in British public life today.
Southgate’s warning goes beyond football, it’s about shaping the future of an entire generation of young men and boys.
Notes to editors:
1. For media enquiries, contact: media@mcb.org.uk