Between October 2025 and March 2026, Sport 4 Life UK successfully delivered the Youth Trailblazer programme across Birmingham, supporting 118 young people aged 18–21 who were not in education, employment or training (NEET). Working in partnership with Jobcentres and local stakeholders, the programme exceeded engagement targets and helped young people progress into employment, training and qualifications.
The Youth Trailblazer initiative, part of the wider West Midlands Youth Guarantee, is designed to support young people aged 18–21 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). By bringing together local authorities, employers, and community organisations, the programme aims to break down barriers to employment and provide young people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
Sport 4 Life UK began delivering the programme in October 2025, working closely with local Jobcentres and partners across Birmingham to reach young people who needed support the most.
Through a combination of personalised mentoring, employability workshops, tailored career guidance, job application support and interview preparation, Sport 4 Life UK helped young people build confidence, develop key skills and navigate the job market more effectively.
“Due to the strong relationships we have established with various Job Centres across Birmingham, we were well positioned to support young people aged 18–21 within the local area.
We focused on equipping participants with the skills and confidence needed to independently enter the job market, through tailored career guidance, support with job applications, and interview preparation.
Over the 6 month delivery period, we were initially set a target to engage 94 young people. However, we exceeded this goal, ultimately providing practical support and guidance to 118 participants.
As a result of this work, we supported 19 individuals into employment and achieved over 25 additional outcomes in training and qualifications.”
Lincoln Shaw Employability Team Leader at Sport 4 Life UK
Programme Outcomes
- 118 young people supported
- 19 progressed into employment
- 25+ training and qualification outcomes achieved
- Delivery across Birmingham between October 2025 and March 2026
- Strong referral partnerships established with local Jobcentres
“I had no college prospects, no job opportunities, just a lot of self-doubt became my new normal, but Sport 4 Life helped me get back on track and believe in myself again.”
Youth Trailblazer participant
The programme also strengthened partnerships with local Jobcentres, ensuring young people could access support quickly and seamlessly.
“Working with Sport 4 Life has been a great experience for young people aged 18–21. The referral process is very easy, and Karl has made each experience with the young people comfortable and supportive. The feedback we get when a young person has left their appointment is that they feel more confident in being able to apply for roles that they want and have received valuable CV support.”
Lashaee Thomas Youth Employability Coach at Handsworth Jobcentre
The programme demonstrated the value of trusted, community-based organisations working alongside statutory services to engage young people furthest from the labour market. Close collaboration with Birmingham Jobcentres enabled timely referrals and consistent support pathways for young people facing barriers to employment.
With youth unemployment remaining a significant challenge in Birmingham and across the West Midlands, initiatives like Youth Trailblazer demonstrate the impact that collaborative, community-driven approaches can have in creating real opportunities for young people.
The success of the Youth Trailblazer programme demonstrates the impact of collaborative, place-based approaches to tackling youth unemployment. By combining trusted relationships, tailored support and strong partnership working, Sport 4 Life UK continues to help young people develop the confidence, skills and opportunities needed to build sustainable futures.