Born in Birmingham. Built for its people. The story of how we use sport to transform young lives across the city's most under-served communities.
Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe. It is a city of extraordinary diversity, resilience and potential. It is also a city where young people — particularly those from inner-city areas like Alum Rock, Balsall Heath and Sparkbrook — face some of the harshest inequalities in the country.
As Birmingham City Council faces unprecedented cuts to youth services, the rising cost of living squeezes families harder than ever, and opportunities continue to shrink for those who need them most, organisations like BU Foundation are needed now more than ever.
"For every child in inner-city Birmingham to have a regular BU Foundation session within walking distance of their home by 2030."
That is our key aim. It is ambitious. It is deliberate. And it reflects the scale of need we see every single week on the ground.
Birmingham United Foundation believes in the power of sport to transform lives, unite communities together and remedy society's greatest inequalities. Working with young people and families, we ensure that initiatives centred around physical activity, sport and recreation are accessible to all.
With a youth-led approach — and a Youth Advisory Board consisting of attendees of our own projects — youth voice is at the forefront of everything we do. Our programmes are co-created alongside local communities and led by experienced practitioners who are from and embedded within those same localities.
A fair, equitable and healthy society where all communities can thrive. We believe that every young person is filled with potential and deserves equitable opportunities to fulfil it.
Youth-Led
Young people sit at the heart of everything. Our Youth Advisory Board shapes our programmes, and many of our staff have come through our own projects.
Community First
We are hyper-localised. Our coaches, our venues and our programmes are embedded within the communities we serve — not parachuted in.
Impact Driven
We measure what matters. Every session, every participant, every outcome. Our work is guided by evidence, not aspiration alone.
Inclusive
Sport is for everyone. 85% of our participants are from ethnically diverse backgrounds. We design for inclusion from the ground up.
Ambitious
We set bold goals and pursue them relentlessly. Our 2030 vision is to have a BU Foundation session within walking distance of every inner-city Birmingham child.
Transparent
We are honest about our work, our challenges and our impact. Trust is earned through consistency, not promises.
Whether you donate, volunteer or partner with us — you become part of the next chapter of Birmingham United Foundation.
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