Birmingham’s biggest sports day welcomes hundreds of local school children to Alexandra Stadium

The event, organised by TSA Sports and Education in Birmingham, was organised to celebrate the graduation of young coaches from Street Elite, an employment initiative targeting those affected by inequality. The programme aims for 80% of participants to transition into work or education.

Youth unemployment continues to rise in Birmingham, with the latest figures showing 14,570 young people (aged 18–24) now claiming unemployment-related benefits - an increase of 95 in May alone. This pushes the city’s youth unemployment rate to 17.2%, well above the national average of 8.4%, and higher than the wider West Midlands Combined Authority rate of 13.9%.

The specialist Street Elite support programme, supported by long term funding partner the Berkeley Foundation, offers participants comprehensive assistance, including:

• Nine months of round-the-clock mentoring, mental health support, and help with complex barriers such as childcare, housing, and managing bills and food.

• 1:1 personal fitness sessions, group sports and employment challenges, delivered by coaches who have either been through Street Elite themselves or have lived experience of the challenges facing the young people.

• Opportunities to interview for an Entrepreneurship Fund and work placements, with mentors from major businesses including Berkeley Group.

Tanayah Sam, Managing Director at TSA Sports, said: "It was a real privilege to bring together young people, schools and the wider community to celebrate the power of sport. From the children who took part with such energy, to our incredible trainee coaches- many of whom have come through the Street Elite programme themselves - the day was a reminder of what’s possible when you invest in young people.

“Thanks to the support of the Berkeley Foundation, we were able to deliver a meaningful and inspiring event for a community that truly deserves it. Street Elite continues to make a real impact on youth employment in Birmingham, helping young people take positive steps into work, education and training. Using sport as the catalyst, we're not just helping individuals - we're building healthier, more resilient communities. I'm proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and even more excited about what’s to come."

Elima Abdullah, a Street Elite coach, added: “What drew me to this initiative is its purpose - supporting young people to turn their lives around. As someone with a background in football, it felt natural to get involved and give back through sport.

“This is now my second year with the programme, and it’s had a huge impact on me personally. The role has helped me grow in confidence and has given me real belief in my ability as a teacher - something I’ve carried forward into my career outside of Street Elite.”

The Berkeley Foundation has been supporting Street Elite since 2013 and over 100 young people from across the UK take part each year. Its funding supports the delivery of the programme to NEET (not in Education Training or Employment) young men and women from across Birmingham, including those at the Nechells Wellbeing Centre in Ladywood.

William Rimell, Development Director at Berkeley St Joseph, said: “We’re proud to be a long-term funding partner for the Street Elite programme in Birmingham. Each year, we see the impact it delivers - helping young people affected by inequality to re-engage with education, training or employment. It’s a proven initiative that supports individuals while also contributing to stronger, more inclusive communities. Supporting projects like this forms an important part of our wider commitment to social impact across the region.”