Using football to re-engage young people who have become disengaged from education — building a bridge back to learning.
Beyond The Game is a schools-based programme for young people who have become disengaged from their education. Working in partnership with schools across Birmingham, we use football as the hook — and the pitch as the classroom.
We know that young people who are disengaged from school don’t respond to traditional intervention. Football creates a space where they feel confident, valued and heard — and from that foundation, we begin to rebuild their relationship with learning, structure and aspiration.
Football gets young people through the door. What happens next changes their lives.
The programme combines regular football sessions with mentoring, in-school support and engagement with wider BUFC Foundation programmes.
Beyond The Game is designed for young people aged 11–18 who are:
Excluded or at risk of exclusion
Young people who have been excluded from school or are at significant risk of permanent exclusion.
Persistently absent
Young people whose attendance has dropped and who are at risk of becoming long-term disengaged from education.
Disengaged from learning
Young people who are physically present in school but emotionally and academically disengaged from the process.
Is your school interested?
We work directly with schools across Birmingham to tailor the programme to their needs. Get in touch to find out how we can support your students.
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