Gareth Southgate to front new BBC special 'confronting the crisis facing young men and boys'

Gareth Southgate is fronting a new BBC documentary, examining the crisis he believes is facing young men and boys today.

In the hour-long special, the former England football manager will be using his experience with working with young players and leading England to focus on helping young men and boys reach their potential.

Over his career, Southgate has spoken about the need for more positive male role models and how many young men and boys can feel isolated and find it difficult to open up on how they’re feeling and now, he wants to hear directly from them.

Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men will air on Monday 8 June at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The documentary moves beyond the recent conversations around the “manosphere” and looks at the every day issues many are dealing with, as Southgate travels across the UK to speak to young men and boys about what’s really going on in their lives and ask why so many feel lost and unsure about their futures.

Southgate will meet boys falling behind at school, young men struggling to find work and those growing up without father figures. He also meets young inmates in prison to understand what led them to crime.

Gareth Southgate said: “This is the next step in my purpose to get young men and boys moving in the right direction rather than falling behind. I wanted them to speak openly and without judgement about what’s really going on in their lives. Through these conversations, I’ve gained a better understanding of the challenges they face.

“It’s been a fascinating experience, and I am so grateful to everyone I met who were brave enough to share their stories. I hope this documentary will go some way towards changing the national conversation and encourage us all to support them in realising their potential.”

Gian Quaglieni, BBC commissioning editor, commented: “Gareth Southgate is in a unique position to explore why so many boys feel like they’re falling behind and to think differently about what might help. This film steps away from polarised arguments and instead listens to how young people really feel and what they’re dealing with. These are important conversations – and not always easy – but they need to be heard.”

Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men will air on Monday 8 June at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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