1 This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Urban Studies [copyright Sage] Urban Studies 50(8): 1608-1624 Urban Youth, Worklessness and Sport: A Comparison of Sports-based Employability Programs in Rotterdam and Stoke-on-Trent Ramón Spaaij La Trobe University Jonathan Magee University of Central Lancashire Ruth Jeanes Monash University Abstract The potential value of sport as a vehicle through which urban regeneration and social renewal policy can be delivered has been extensively examined. However, there are an increasing number of initiatives aiming to use sports-based programs as a way to address worklessness and social exclusion amongst young people which have received less attention. This paper provides a critical comparative analysis of two such programs, one based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and the other in Stoke-on-Trent in the UK. Using qualitative data collected from participants, staff and other stakeholders, the paper details the nature and perceived merits of the programs before considering the limitations and constraints of welfare-to-work initiatives using sport. The paper concludes by suggesting a fundamental shift in policy discourse is required for such programs to be able to achieve sustainable positive outcomes for workless young people with multiple problems and needs. Keywords: Social exclusion, Worklessness, Sport, Urban Youth