“Shank your opp – 30 points”: How are schools and parents dealing with school wars trend?
Content Warning: Strong language included
Schools have faced safety and security concerns over the past month, as a national social media trend focused on attacking pupils from rival schools has hit South Yorkshire.
The 'school wars' trend has seen arrests made across the UK, including in Sheffield and Rotherham, as teenagers are encouraged to carry out different targeted attacks for a sliding points scale.
The schools are grouped into 'red' and 'blue', who are pitted against each other for organised fights and random attacks, which gain more 'points' if they are recorded and posted to social media.
One TikTok post reads: "Rules: if u see another opp it's on sight weapons: ruler, comb, compass n punchs" (sic).
Each 'weapon' carries more points, with a compass's sharp point scoring higher than a simple punch, as the same post says: "Shank your opp - 30 points".
Many schools have sent out information, leaving many parents to turn to Facebook to air their concerns and opinions.
"She's not leaving my sight," said one parent, Mary Gonnelly, who kept her daughter at home because of the circulating rumours of a scheduled fight.
Whilst this opinion was echoed by many on Facebook, some parents were far more dismissive with John Michael referring to the concern as a "bullsh*t rumour", despite the fact that South Yorkshire Police increased patrols around local schools.
According to an update from Inspector Richard Mangham, officers have been active in monitoring social media and carrying out intelligence checks to identify those behind posts encouraging violence.
Another local parent, Alison Beverley, said that she was not keeping her children at home or making changes to their routines despite the threats
She said: "This is all scaremongering and social media related, we all had school rivalry it was just never broadcast anywhere.
"Half of the parents are to blame for not monitoring what their children are doing on social media."
Penistone Grammar School forwarded a letter to all Barnsley parents from Inspector Mangham which outlined that along with Barnsley Council wardens, officers were carrying out high-visibility patrols.
As well as identifying and shutting down responsible accounts, it is hoped these measures will help to put an end to the "irresponsible and dangerous trend."
Sheffield pickleball company hosts first ever all-abilities community festival
A Sheffield indoor pickleball centre ran their first ever Pickleball Festival which saw players from across the city and South Yorkshire participate in one of the UK's fastest-growing sports.
Peak Pickleball Sheffield in Attercliffe hosted a five-hour-long pickleball festival on Saturday 21st March between 9am and 1pm including a Challenger court, social play and a DJ.
Pickleball is a sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It can be played indoors and outdoors with two or four players using solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net.
Points are won if the defending side does not return the ball, hits the ball out, does not let the serve ball bounce, volleys in the non-volley zone, or is hit by the ball.
Pickleball players mid-game at Peak Pickleball Sheffield Festival
The game ends when one of the parties reaches 11 points, with a 2-point lead.
Peak Pickleball Sheffield was founded in November 2025 by Gina Floyd and her partner Anna when they quit their jobs and went travelling and discovered their love for the sport. Their mission is to grow the pickleball community in Yorkshire and share their sporting passion across Sheffield.
Gina Floyd, owner and co-founder of Peak Pickleball Sheffield, decided to put on the festival to get people playing each other from across different skills and bring the community together to have fun. She said: "It's been so nice to see such a variety of people playing together across different ages and abilities.
"Pickleball is a real leveller and that is what makes it really special."
Pickleball England has seen a boom in recent years and reported in 2025 during their English Open Tournament that they had a record 2,350 players and 4,321 registrations.
Steve Chan began playing pickleball a year ago and loves being able to play with different types of people. He said: "It's an addictive sport.
"If I come on a Friday night and there's 12 people and I only know six of them then we have a good chat then a couple of weeks later we have a catch up. It's really nice."
Mel Harbour moved to Sheffield for a job in Computer Science and found pickleball through social groups. She said: "I love pickleball, I can't stop coming back.
"It's such a friendly community and I keep going back to the same place, the same event and see lots of familiar faces."
If you are interested in trying out pickleball, you can find out more about Peak Pickleball by following this link: Peak Pickleball | Join the Action Today
Son raises £4000 for cancer charity that supported his dad through brain tumour
A father and son duo have raised £4000 for Weston Park Cancer Charity (WPCC) this weekend, after walking 23 kilometres from Silkstone to Sheffield, with the funds going to make major differences in patients' lives.
Jenson Beever was joined by his dad Andrew Beever on the colossal challenge this weekend, as they looked to give back to the charity that supported Andrew and his family through Meningioma, a type of brain tumour, for almost a year from March 2025 to January 2026.
After a combination of radiotherapy and gamma knife surgery, Andrew was given the all-clear earlier this year, and wants to support the charity in any way he can.
Andrew said: "Weston park make so much difference to people's lives, it is only right if possible to give something back to say thank you."
The charity also supports families, as well as patients, and Jenson knows that the money raised can continue to impact those affected.
Jenson said: "To cross the finish line was amazing knowing how much of a difference the money we have raised can change someone's situation at the hospital, it was truly remarkable."
An initial target of just £350 was set, however many people have gotten behind the charity and the walk, contributing more to the fundraiser.
Jenson said: "Unbelievable the amount of money raised, I never thought we'd get there.
"£1,000 was amazing, £2,000 I was gob smacked, £3,000 shocked me, made me realise how big of an impact this is making on people's lives.
"£4,000 has been achieved and honestly I am so proud of everyone that took part in the walk and anyone who has supported us in any way, shape or form.
"Inspiring to say the least."
Knowing how much this support means to those suffering, Andrew believes that: "No matter how big or small, every penny counts".
Vicky Stead, the senior fundraising manager at WPCC said: "We are deeply grateful to Jenson and his family and friends for their outstanding fundraising efforts.
"Taking on a 23km walk from Barnsley to Weston Park is an extraordinary achievement."
Mrs Stead sees first hand the impact that money raised will have day to day, and knows how important events like this are to raise vital funds.
She said: "From vital support services to treatment enhancements and life-changing research, their efforts and their supporters’ donations will help bring hope, comfort, and progress to so many people who need it most, thank you.”
The fundraiser can be found here
“There needs to be some recognition”: Sheffield charity launches initiative to commemorate women’s football history
A Sheffield charity is hosting guided walking tours to celebrate the wealth of contributions made by women towards the city’s footballing history.
The initiative has been organised by Sheffield Home of Football (SHOF) to coincide with the showing of ‘The Ladies Football Club’ at the Crucible - a play that centres around a group of 11 ‘munitionettes’ and their developing obsession with the game while their husbands are away at war.
Walks coordinator for the charity, Steve Ingle, 66, explained this is a project he has been eager to start for a while: “We’ve been trying to work out how to do a women's football club tour, but most of the places are quite disparate around Sheffield.
“The Crucible gave us an anchor from where to lead our walks.”
The walks start at the theatre, which, sitting on the historic site of the Adelphi Hotel, is where members of Sheffield FC met to agree on the club’s rules and regulations over 150 years ago in 1858.
Attendees are then invited to explore various other significant locations around the city centre, before finishing at the ‘Women of Steel’ statue next to the City Hall, erected to honour women’s involvement in the city’s steel industry during both the first and second world wars.
Building on the work of local football historian Martin Westby, SHOF is a registered charity, whose primary aim is to raise awareness around the rich football heritage found here in Sheffield.
It runs several walks around the city and out to Penistone, looking at the people and places who helped shape modern association football as it exists today.
More recently, the charity has set its sights on a Walk of Fame star dedicated to England footballer and local girl Millie Bright.
“I think there needs to be some recognition,” said Mr Ingle.
"We feel as though the city should celebrate everything that Sheffield women are bringing to the game these days.”
While it is clear the Football Association has come a long way from its controversial ban on women’s football in 1921, Mr Ingle was keen to reiterate that change begins at a grassroots level.
The notion of football as a ‘boys’ game’, while steadily evolving, is yet to be eradicated completely.
Mr Ingle said: “Sheffield invented the game, we set up the rules of football, so we really shouldn’t be on the second platform when it comes to women’s football.”
SHOF will be running its third and final 'Origins of Women's Football in Sheffield' walk from the Crucible Theatre on Thursday 26th March. Click here for details.
Film festival celebrates 20th anniversary in ‘The Outdoor City’
Visitors from across the country flocked to Sheffield over the weekend to celebrate one of the UK's leading platforms for adventure, environment and outdoor storytelling.
Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) celebrated its 20th anniversary at Showroom Cinema on Paternoster Row across three jam-packed, adventure-filled days over the weekend.
Matt Heason, co-founder of the festival, spoke about founding the event and how it has developed and grown over the years.
He said: "It's a celebration of the outdoors in Sheffield."
Held annually in Sheffield, a city known for its access to wild landscapes and rich creative scene, the festival brings together world class climbing, running, biking, skiing, kayaking and environmental films from across the globe.
This year, 104 adventure films graced attendees, with topics ranging from running and climbing, to conservation and sustainability.
The films feature both elite athletes and grassroots voices, partnering with major outdoor brands like Rab.
Across two decades, the festival has built a strong reputation for thoughtful programming, a commitment to sustainability and a deep connection to community, sitting at the heart of Sheffield's cultural calendar.
Mr Heason emphasised the vast appeal of ShAFF, saying there has been enquiries from as far as Alaska to bring films to Sheffield, highlighting the impact of the event worldwide.
Winner of Best Film was Champions of the Golden Valley, directed by Ben Sturgulewski.
The film tells the story of how: "In the high peaks of Afghanistan, young villagers from rival ethnic groups build makeshift wooden skis and convene for a race."
The festival also featured many activities, including a temporary ski slope, installed by Revive Sheffield Ski Village, who are campaigning for funding around the reinstallation of facilities at a derelict site in Parkwood, since the Ski Village's closure in 2012.
Life of cherished Sheffield community leader celebrated through launch of her poetry collection
A community has gathered to celebrate the life of a "poetic pioneer", sharing the handwritten collection compiled by her daughters in her honour.
Mertell Walker, former chair of the Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association (SADACCA), passed in August 2024 aged 91, and was celebrated last Saturday through the launch of Hidden Pearls at the centre in Wicker, Sheffield.
Her daughter, Janet Walker, said her mother loved the movie Hidden Figures as it shared a piece of history that was nearly forgotten.
Janet hopes a movie could be adapted as a tribute to her mother, so her story is not hidden in the basement like the characters, but shown through her poems.
She said: “I couldn't see myself throwing this whole work away. I thought she was just going to disappear. That's where the book came out as Hidden Pearls.”
Carmen Franklin, Mrs Walker's former mentor, was also honoured throughout the night for how she motivated her late mentee to write and express herself.
Mrs Franklin is a former college English teacher who taught Mertell in the writing classes at the community centre.
She said: “Mertell was the chair of our ladies' group. She brought inspiration, not just by the way she did her poetry and her plays, but the way she handled the women in the group.
"Her encouragement, her smiles and laughter - she brought a lot to the group.”
Mrs Franklin hopes that more British Black women will be inspired to share their own stories.
The SADACCA centre opened in 1986, and has been a hub for the Caribbean community in Sheffield ever since.
Lyn Bent, a member of the SADACCA women’s group, said her fondest memory was being a part of the Washer Women play.
The play centred around six women washing clothes by the river, celebrating the women who support each other in their day-to-day lives.
Ms Bent said: "This talent has been hidden, so this is exposing it so that everybody can see this wonderful lady who is so blessed."
Guest speaker Carl Case, director of operations at Cultural Appropriate Resources, recalled his experience arriving in Sheffield in the 90s and being a part of the early days of SADACCA.
Mr Case compared the late Mertell to Louise Bennett, a renowned Jamaican poet, who wrote poetry in patois, recording her cultural heritage.
'Mr Case said: “A cultural queen, a poetic pioneer, and a voice of the people. Mrs Walker was instrumental in preserving and passing on Caribbean folk tales, traditional songs, and cultural narratives to the next generation.”
The Hidden Pearls book is available for purchase online at the Conscious Dreams Bookshop: https://consciousdreamsbookshop.com/products/hidden-pearls
Comedy night tackling mental health is a roaring success
Photo courtesy of Kathryn Simpson
A comedy night featuring a Britain's Got Talent finalist took place on Friday, 30 years after the organiser's brother took his own life, to address the stigmas around mental health and suicide.
Barnsley-based Community Interest Company (CIC), Suicide Sucks, hosted its second Stand Up To Suicide charity comedy night in Silkstone earlier this week, in an effort to “get people laughing”.
Mick Rowe, the founder of Suicide Sucks, lost her brother, James Tyrell, to suicide in 1996, 30 years to the day of the comedy night.
Mrs Rowe said: “It was quite a poignant moment.”
She has been campaigning and educating ever since, as she aims to improve people’s mental health wellbeing and get conversations started.
The event took place at Broad Close Farm campsite in Silkstone, the owner of which’s father also took his own life in 2024.
When asked about hosting it here, Mrs Rowe said the move “just felt right”.
“The guest speakers were just so open about sharing such deep stuff with strangers was just so powerful.”
Speaking at the event were Andy Wilson and Samii Soffe who shared their experiences with mental health and suicide and the pair both received standing ovations after they opened up to the crowd.
Mrs Rowe said: “This is what it is about, I’m getting emotional now, the fact that about 80 people in that room all understood, all connected and all were proud of that person stood on that stage could potentially give someone in that audience courage to get help.”
Comedians Julian Deane, Joe Zalias, Tommy North, and Britain's Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda also made appearances, bringing a comedic side to a very tough topic.
Mrs Rowe is working to get more people talking about any issues they are experiencing, and feels comedy is a great place to start as it gets people talking without feeling shame or guilt.
Knowing the effect comedy can have on people in distress, Mrs Rowe said: “Humour is so healing, you’re going to leave feeling lighter than when you came in.”
The CIC is also crowdfunding for an educational video designed to get difficult conversations going between friends when times are tough.
The fundraiser recently passed £5000, and with so many people supporting the project, Mrs Rowe said: “I can’t actually believe it, it’s just absolutely amazing.”
Today on Sheffield Wire
Hello and welcome to Sheffield Wire coverage for Monday 23 March 2026.
Our top stories today:
- Youth unemployment has reached a new high of 16%, according to new figures from the Office of National Statistics. Owen Roberts investigates how people in South Yorkshire are being affected.
- Sheffield Council are set to discuss a new £1m investment in Sheffield Hallam by Sport England. Duy Luong will be at the meeting to bring you live updates.
- The final ever Climbing Works International Festival took place in Sheffield this weekend, bringing an end to twenty years of celebrations at the local gym. Rose Mason and Lulu Johnston-Knight spoke to people there, including eventual winner Shauna Coxey.
Residents demand action as security crisis spirals out of control
Intruders, drug-taking and human waste are some of the issues tenants of a Sheffield apartment block have claimed are making them feel unsafe in their homes.
Since last November, some residents of Queen's House claim to have seen a constant cycle of homeless people unlawfully entering the building.
Initially, they would occupy the basement, where residents said they found human waste and drug paraphernalia.
However, since a new company, Watson, took over management of the property in December, some residents claim the situation has deteriorated further.
They said people began entering the main communal areas after an internal access keypad stopped working.
In subsequent weeks, some residents claim intruders were found in various shared areas of the building. In these places, residents again found discarded needles, as well as cigarette butts and even cups of urine.
Most recently, some residents have witnessed these individuals successfully managing to pry open the main door to gain access.
More recently, they claim to have witnessed individuals successfully managing to pry open the main door to gain access.
This has left some of them, especially women, saying they are fearful for their own safety.
One female resident has lived in the building for the past two years and said: "We cannot live like this. I'm really considering moving because it's not safe for me anymore.
The situation is out of control.”
She said she has felt so intimidated seeing homeless people taking drugs next to her flat, that several times she has walked out of the building to wait for police to remove them.
Katerina, 26, said she has been made to feel so threatened that she and her female flatmate have felt forced to temporarily leave their flat while still paying full rent.
Katerina said she has contacted the new management, but described the responses she received as "vague".
She said: "Instead of trying to do the best for the building, they don't even do the bare minimum.
"Do something, do the best that you can - that's what we deserve."
Since January 28, the building has also seen the fire brigade called out three times, with smoking indoors by the intruders being blamed.
On the final occasion, when the fire brigade entered the building, they reported that 11 of these individuals were found congregating on the fifth floor.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "That night, I felt anxious, upset, and frustrated - how could the conditions in this building have deteriorated so dramatically in just a few months?
"It is incredibly distressing to feel this way in the place that is supposed to be our sanctuary, yet I live with constant anxiety and the feeling that I cannot safely leave my own home.
"No one should have to live like this."
Watson Property Management said: "Watson took over the management of Queen’s House in December, and since then we have been working closely with the previous managing agent to obtain full and accurate handover information for the building.
"In parallel, we have been engaging with key stakeholders - including a residents’ group, the developer, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the police, and the local council - to address the issues currently affecting the development.
"Our priority is to ensure that all residents feel safe in their homes and that the building is managed to the highest possible standard. We are committed to taking the necessary actions, in collaboration with our partners, to resolve the challenges on site and to deliver the best possible experience for residents.
"Protecting the safety, interests, and assets of residents, leaseholders, and our clients is - and will remain - central to Watson’s approach."
A night of culture celebrating Sheffield’s diversity at the International Cultural Evening
Sheffield hosted performances from cultures across the globe in their themed night 'The cosmos - time and space' at its student union.
This is the 53rd year the International Students Committee (ISC) has run the event.
Jia Cheng How, chair of the ISC, said: “the world is getting more international and it is important to know and understand where these people come from.”
He has attended the event in previous years and hoped the audience felt the inspiration he felt when he went.
There were 12 performances during the evening, an increase from previous years with around 700 people attending.
There were performances from both students and external dance groups, “bridging the reach across Sheffield” to share inspiring stories through music and dance.
The Nigerian society performed for the first time at the event.
Nick Oni, a third year student and the president, chose to perform afrobeats and wanted to bring some happiness during these difficult times.
Ore, a member of the Nigerian society, said: “These songs should remind us to love each other.”
While it was the Nigerian society that performed, they stated how they represented all African countries and cultures throughout the evening.
At the event, there were food stalls showcasing different cultural food.
Tendai Taruvinga ,35, founded Veafy, which provides African-inspired dishes. It included food such as Ghanaian-inspired jackfruit, akara skewers and a South African relish.
He said: “The food is all plant-based to make it inclusive and sustainable.”
The celebration highlighted the vibrancy of Sheffield’s diversity and how it strengthens the community.
University advises students amid meningitis outbreak
Following an outbreak of a rare invasive meningitis in Kent, the University of Sheffield reassures students there are currently no reported cases of meningitis on campus, and the risk of an outbreak remains very low.
In an email sent to all students, Vice-President for Education Mary Vincent encouraged students to familiarise themselves with the symptoms.
They should seek prompt medical advice if needed, as the disease spreads quickly.
The message follows reports of a serious outbreak at the University of Kent where 13 cases of invasive meningococcal disease, a combination of meningitis and septicaemia, have been detected.
The outbreak has resulted in two deaths, while 11 people are reported to be seriously ill.
In a statement, the University of Kent said: “We recognise that this is a very sad and worrying time for our community and we are doing everything we can to offer advice and support.”
Officials confirmed that known contacts of confirmed cases have been contacted and given guidance, while students considered at risk have been offered antibiotics as a precaution.
The University of Kent also announced that no in-person assessments or exams will take place this week, with students expected to receive further information about alternative arrangements.
Meanwhile, Sheffield students are being encouraged simply to stay informed about the symptoms of meningitis and seek medical advice promptly if they feel unwell.
Click here to learn more about meningitis:
https://sheffield.ac.uk/health-service/more-services/information-resources/meningitis
How is conflict in the Middle East affecting people in Sheffield?
The US war with Iran has caused fuel prices to spike, which is already having an impact on drivers in Sheffield.
Data from the RAC shows both petrol and diesel prices have risen steadily since the conflict began on 28 February, reaching an 18-month high.
The conflict has the potential to cause a bigger shock to energy prices than the Ukraine war, but at the moment the full impact remains unclear.
For now, the pence-per-litre remains well below the peak in July 2022 of over 190p for unleaded petrol and 199p for diesel.
Last week on Friday 13 March, the Government met with the fuel industry, after concerns they were profiteering from the crisis by hiking prices prematurely.
The Petrol Retailers Association denied the claims.
What is happening in the Middle East?
The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on the 28 February, killing the supreme leader Ali Khamenei in the capital Tehran. The conflict has since spread to Lebanon.
Iran has responded by almost completely blocking ship movements through the vital global shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.
Nicky Robinson is one of Sheffield's drivers with increasing fuel prices on her mind. She said: “When we've had crises before it's always the fuel prices that are affected first.
"I'm looking at changing my car at the moment, so we have been looking at electric options instead of fuel."
People who drive to work, or as part of their work, are at the sharp end of the surge.
Ms Robinson added: "My son travels an hour and a half to work every day so he's noticed it in his fuel bill because it's now costing him £150 a week just to get to work. It would cost £100 before, so its increased quite a lot."
Petros is a delivery driver for courier service Evri. He has to cover his own fuel costs as part of his role.
"I'm self employed so what I used to get as disposable income has been significantly reduced by close to 5%, which is very much looking at the people that depend on me.
“It's affecting almost every sector of the economy, even in the retail sector we find out that fuel prices are also increasing. It's having an impact in the lives of many of us, especially those of low income."
Petros is originally from Zimbabwe, and told Sheffield Wire: "It's actually affecting us not only here in the UK but also back home in Africa, its having a very huge impact."
Gary Smith, General Secretary of GMB Union, said: “The escalating conflict in the Middle East shows it’s absolutely vital that the UK has a secure domestic oil and gas supply.
"Years of mismanagement from the Conservatives have left the country terribly exposed.
"The Government must grasp the nettle and act to ensure our oil and gas policy helps protect the UK from global turbulence."
Another driver, David, told Sheffield Wire he'd heard petrol station staff had been getting "hassle".
"You feel like they've gone up really quickly, and does that reflect the market? I know petrol employees are getting a lot of abuse, so that isn't great either."
The Government have today announced a series of supports, including £53 million for low income families who heat their homes with oil.
However, concerns are rising around the wider impacts of a global energy crisis, that so far are yet to come.
Helen Barnard, Director of Policy and Research at food poverty charity Trussell said: "Too many people are being forced to skip meals so their children can eat, or survive on cups of tea because they don’t have any food left in the cupboards.
"The pandemic and cost of living crisis have left deep scars. Severe hardship still weighs heavily on daily lives, leaving people feeling overlooked and left behind.
"As we face uncertain times again, progress can be too easily undone. We need the UK government to continue to take meaningful and lasting action so all of us have what we need to get by."