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Darts legend Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler and rugby icon Jonny Wilkinson are to team up with the Government to tackle the male loneliness crisis. One in every four boys and young men across the country is hit by feelings of isolation, and a new Team Up campaign has been launched to support young men struggling with it.

The campaign is backed by the Premier League, the English Football League, the Rugby Football League, the England and Wales Cricket Board, and the Lawn Tennis Association. Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is among the world-class sporting legends throwing their weight behind the week-long campaign.

Joining him are rugby icon Jonny Wilkinson, Ashes centurion Jacob Bethell, and 2024 PDC World Darts Champion Luke Humphries. Boxing champion Conor Benn and four-time Winter Olympian Dave Ryding have also backed the initiative.

It will focus on delivering positive spaces for young men, tackling declines in mental health, as well as combating negative influences found online. Young men across the UK will be able to get involved through a wide range of schemes offered at local clubs, with details available on the new Team Up website.

The Government has partnered with the fitness app Runna to give youngsters the chance to join the movement with a free trial that offers personalised training plans to experienced runners and complete newcomers. Whitehall is backing the plan with £400million invested in grassroots facilities intended to make the benefits of sport open to all. It is handing out £500million to improve youth centres and services.”

Former England rugby union international Jonny Wilkinson said: “It’s definitely not wrong to feel isolated – to feel lonely, on your own, challenged, stressed, to feel all those kind of things. It sure can be tough, but it’s definitely not out of the ordinary.  “I’m supporting this campaign because of the power of sport, the power of activity, of getting together with other like-minded people. The power of sharing, letting go, being able to experience that connection with people. Coming together through sport is a special thing and it can change lives.”

England cricketer Jacob Bethell said: “Cricket gave me a place to belong. Being part of a team teaches you that you matter, that your voice counts, and that you’re stronger together than on your own. That’s why I’m supporting the Team Up campaign and would encourage anyone to get down to their local cricket club and find their team.”

2024 PDC World Darts Champion Luke Humphries said: “I’ve seen first-hand how important connection and community are within darts. Whether you’re playing, watching, or supporting, feeling part of something can have a really positive effect on wellbeing.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Too many of our young men are facing loneliness and struggle in silence, not sure where to turn. This has a serious impact on their mental health and on the communities we all share. By coming together we can use the power of sport to reach young men, hold on to them, provide them with positive activities and support them with their mental health.

She added: “Through local clubs, programmes, and support networks, we can challenge the stigma and show young men that there is a whole community behind them.”