Sport 4 Life UK was commissioned by UK Youth to deliver the Hatch programme, an employability initiative designed to support NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people aged 16–29. Across five waves of delivery, Sport 4 Life provided tailored support to empower young adults with key skills, accredited qualifications, and employment opportunities.
In partnership with KFC, the programme offered a direct employment pathway, with participants gaining access to work placements at KFC restaurants upon completing the course.
Our Approach
Each two-week programme was structured to maximise participant development:
Week 1: Delivered bespoke employability content, including:
- CV workshops tailored to KFC roles
- Workplace scenario training
- Goal-setting and 10-year life planning
- Social action projects to build teamwork and leadership skills
Week 2: Focused on the attainment of accredited qualifications through our partner Digital College:
- Level 1 Food & Hygiene
- Level 1 Customer Service
- Safeguarding of Young People
- Conflict Resolution
- Sports & Fitness
Throughout the programme, participants received hands-on support, boosting their confidence, enhancing their CVs, and preparing them for real-world employment within the hospitality and wider sectors.
Impact
The success of Hatch is demonstrated through measurable outcomes:
28 accredited qualifications achieved by participants via Digital College.
60% job success rate during the July 2023 cohort – with six out of ten participants securing employment immediately after the programme:
- 2 hired as Sports Coach and Youth Engagement Officers at Sport 4 Life UK
- 1 Catering Assistant role at Utilita
- 1 Logistics role at Amazon
- 1 Hospitality role at Birmingham City Football Club
- 1 Healthcare Assistant role
“Before I joined Hatch, I was struggling to find a job and didn’t really know what steps to take. The programme gave me real confidence — not just with my CV and interviews, but in myself. Getting my qualifications and having support from Sport 4 Life made a huge difference. Now I’ve got a job I’m proud of, and it’s just the start for me.” Beneficary
Funder Testimonial
“We have loved working alongside you this past year, and I want to express my personal appreciation to Nick and Zoe for all of the hard work that has been put into Hatch over the past 12 months. Your dedicated efforts on Hatch have not gone unnoticed and the outcomes that young people have achieved under your support have been truly commendable” — Rachael Barber, Project Manager, UK Youth
Through strategic partnerships, tailored employability support, and accredited qualifications, Sport 4 Life UK is delivering life-changing outcomes for young people. The Hatch programme exemplifies how targeted investment in youth services can lead directly to tangible employment, skills development, and successful futures.