Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate delivered a compelling address last night at the University of London during the BBC’s 46th Richard Dimbleby Lecture, tackling grave issues that young men face today. The renowned football coach's lecture came at a crucial time when internet personalities like Andrew Tate exert a troubling influence over impressionable youth. Southgate asserted that, in a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions, young males in particular are vulnerable to misguided role models.
"These are callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain," Southgate remarked, referring to figures like Tate, whose views have been linked to real world acts of violence, such as that committed by crossbow killer Kyle Clifford. Clifford was reportedly influenced by Tate when he murdered his ex-girlfriend and her family. This tragedy underscores a disturbing trend in which male youth are drawn into the depths of misogyny and toxic masculinity.
Highlighting the concerning reality of modern boyhood, Southgate pointed to a report which revealed that boys are more likely to own a smartphone than to live with their father. This disconnection, he argued, exacerbates the search for identity among young men, often leading them to find solace in gaming, gambling, and pornography. Southgate urged that the time has come for leaders in society, including parents and mentors, to step up and foster a healthier narrative around masculinity.
"We need leaders to set the right tone — to be the role models we want for our young men," he insisted. In his lecture, he articulated the need for adults to show young men that character supersedes status, claiming, "The culture we create today will shape the kind of men that we inherit tomorrow." He spoke passionately about rebuilding community among young males, promoting empathy, courage, and resilience as core values to combat the isolating effects of modern technology.
Attuned to the challenges of youth, Southgate reflected on his own experiences, sharing insights from his football career. He brought up a particularly poignant moment from his past: "Missing that penalty was undoubtedly a watershed moment that made me a stronger, better man. It forced me to dig deep and revealed an inner belief and resilience I never knew existed." Through this lens of personal narrative, he emphasized that failures can teach invaluable lessons.
Additionally, Southgate referenced the Centre for Social Justice’s recent report, which warned of a crisis facing young men amid an uptick in those neither in education, employment, nor training. Young males, he said, feel uncomfortable opening up about their struggles. Southgate highlighted: "Too many young men are isolated. They end up withdrawing, reluctant to talk or express their emotions." In his view, this disconnect is counterproductive, preventing them from obtaining the support needed to navigate life's challenges.
While Southgate acknowledged that society's influences are daunting, he expressed optimism for future generations, stating that they are inherently curious and eager to learn. His vision is one where communities come together to nurture young boys through sports, arts, and other engaging activities, creating spaces where they can bond and learn without the pressures of failure weighing down on them. In his view, it is essential to encourage genuine participation in life beyond one’s smartphone, fostering environments where young men feel safe to express themselves and even embrace failure as a path to growth.
Southgate's message resonates beyond the realm of football, positioning mentorship and personal growth as imperative for today's youth. As he concluded, it became clear that fostering supportive relationships can profoundly impact how boys and young men navigate their trajectories in life. He asserts that it's upon adults—fathers, mentors, friends—to create nurturing atmospheres that cultivate a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Despite concerns about growing toxicity in young men's influences today, Southgate conveyed that genuine hope lies in the leadership and guidance provided by older generations. By recounting his personal journey and advocating for empathy in our interactions with young men, he compellingly made the case that the pillars of strong character stand above the superficial measures of success that often dominate society's expectations.
In this call to action, it is clear that fostering an environment that emphasizes values like humility, integrity, and mutual support is essential in shaping a healthier future for our boys.
