We have invested more than £800,000 in Street League, a charity who creates brighter futures for thousands of young people.
More than 1,398 people aged 16–29 have been supported into employment, education and training thanks to a long-term partnership between the Barratt Redrow Foundation and Street League.
The employment charity uses sport and education to help those who face barriers to employment improve their wellbeing, develop key skills and secure positive futures through services such as CV workshops, interview preparation and employability training. It offers a 12-week academy combining qualifications and daily sport sessions.
Meeting growing demand
An estimated 13.5% of people aged 16 to 24 years in the UK were not in education, employment or training in January to March of this year*, highlighting the growing need for specialist support services.
Georgie Miles, Senior Partnership Manager at Street League, said: “Many of the young people we support have often been overlooked by traditional services and don’t know where to turn for help.
“Street League provides a safe, inclusive environment where young people can build confidence, develop skills and access the support they need to succeed through our experienced team.”
Transforming lives
The impact of the partnership is evident in the lives of the young people who take part in Street League’s programmes.
One such example is Brandon, 19, from Sheffield, who first engaged with Street League through the Street Sports programme. Growing up in a low-income household, Brandon had no work experience and faced significant barriers to employment.
After leaving school with no formal qualifications, Brandon was keen to secure his Maths and English qualifications and did so, soon after joining a Street League Academy.
Brandon also developed essential employment skills and, with Street League’s help, secured a role with the NHS. Shortly after, an internal opportunity arose to become a Domestic Assistant; Brandon successfully applied and got the job, one that he continues to thrive in today.
He is also now a member of Street League’s North of England Youth Board, where he is actively shaping programmes and policies, ensuring young people’s voices drive meaningful change.
Power of sport
Since 2024, 2,796 young people have been supported across seven regions – West Midlands, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and London – to develop essential skills, gain qualifications and improve their mental and physical wellbeing through daily sport.
Georgie Miles said: “Sport helps develop teamwork, communication and resilience. It also supports wellbeing and creates a positive environment where young people can learn and grow.
“For many participants, it’s about far more than exercise. It creates a sense of belonging, helps them build confidence and develops the skills needed to take their next step into employment, education or training.
“We often say that sport is what brings young people through the door, but it’s also what keeps them engaged.”
Importance of long-term partnerships
Since 2024, the Barratt Redrow Foundation has contributed more than £800,000 to support the charity’s work, helping more young people access employability programmes, wellbeing support and aftercare services.
Georgie Miles said: “The partnership provides reassurance and stability. It allows us to plan for the long term and focus on delivering meaningful aid to even more young people. The challenges faced by young people are not going away and put simply, neither can the support.”
Andy Button-Stephens, Head of Barratt Redrow Foundation, added: “Young people today are facing significant barriers, from accessing support to finding employment.
“Street League is doing an incredible job helping young people build confidence, develop vital skills and take positive steps towards employment, education and training through the power of sport and expert youth work. Brandon’s story is just one example of the life-changing impact being delivered across the UK. It’s great to see him thriving, having achieved his Maths and English qualifications and found employment.
“Through our long-term partnership, we’re not only helping young people access opportunities today, but also equipping them with the tools they need to build brighter futures for years to come.”
To find out more about the Barratt Redrow Foundation, please visit www.barrattredrowfoundation.org.uk.
