Young people have the skills, passion and ambition to succeed. But for many, the biggest challenge isn’t a lack of potential, it’s a lack of opportunity.
Across the UK, young people continue to face barriers to employment, education and personal development. Too often, their voices are missing from the conversations and decisions that directly affect their futures.
At Sport 4 Life UK, we believe that young people shouldn’t just be part of the conversation – they should help lead it.
That’s exactly what happened at our 20th Anniversary Impact Event, when Youth Voice Panel members Jaden Payne and Macey Winspur took to the stage at Millennium Point, Birmingham, to share their experiences, perspectives and hopes for the future.
Speaking alongside established leaders and panellists, Jaden and Macey addressed a room filled with businesses, employers and partners from across the West Midlands, representing the voices of young people who are eager for opportunities but often struggle to be seen and heard.
Macey’s Story: Give Young People the Opportunity to Show Their Value
For Macey, the message was simple: young people have so much to offer, but they need someone willing to give them a chance.
During the panel discussion, Macey challenged employers and decision-makers to look beyond traditional expectations and recognise the value that young people can bring to the workplace.
Young people are motivated, capable and full of fresh ideas. Yet without opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, many struggle to take that first step into employment or professional development.
Macey highlighted the importance of creating environments where young people feel listened to, respected and given the space to prove themselves.
Her message reinforced a powerful point: businesses don’t always need to look further for talent – sometimes they simply need to open the door to the young people already waiting for an opportunity.
Jaden’s Story: The Difference the Right Support Can Make
For Jaden, the discussion was deeply personal.
Following a brain injury, Jaden experienced first-hand how important the right support, understanding and adjustments can be in helping a young person succeed.
Throughout his education, his school and teachers adapted their approach to meet his individual needs, ensuring he felt included, supported and able to develop both personally and academically.
That experience helped shape Jaden’s understanding of what meaningful inclusion looks like – and why it shouldn’t stop when young people leave education.
Taking to the stage, Jaden shared how having the right people around him had supported his personal and professional growth.
His message to employers was clear: the same understanding, flexibility and tailored support that can make such a difference in education should also exist in the workplace.
By recognising individual needs and creating supportive environments, businesses can help young people overcome barriers, build confidence and reach their potential.
Jaden’s story was a reminder that opportunity alone isn’t always enough. Sometimes, it’s the support that comes alongside it that makes the biggest difference.
From Being Heard to Creating Change
For Jaden and Macey, taking part in Sport 4 Life’s 20th Anniversary Event was more than an opportunity to speak publicly.
It was a chance to influence the people who have the power to create real opportunities for young people.
Standing alongside business leaders, partners and decision-makers, they demonstrated exactly why young people’s voices need to be included in conversations about employment, education and the future of our communities.
Their contributions brought real-life experiences into discussions that can too often be shaped without the involvement of the people most affected.
For the businesses in the room, their messages offered a valuable reminder: young people aren’t simply the workforce of tomorrow. They have ideas, experiences and perspectives that can add value today.
Amplifying Youth Voice Across the West Midlands
Sport 4 Life’s Youth Voice Panel is committed to ensuring young people have a meaningful say in the decisions, opportunities and conversations that shape their futures.
Building on the success of the 20th Anniversary Event, panel members will continue to attend Sport 4 Life events, engage with businesses and partners, and contribute their perspectives to important discussions across the region.
These opportunities will not only help amplify the voices of young people but also allow panel members to develop their own confidence, communication skills, professional networks and understanding of the working world.
Through direct engagement with employers and decision-makers, the panel will help bridge the gap between young people and the organisations that can create meaningful change.
Because when we give young people a platform, we don’t just hear their stories. We gain valuable insight into the challenges they face, the support they need and the opportunities that could transform their futures.
A Message to Businesses
Jaden and Macey’s stories demonstrate why listening to young people matters.
Whether it’s offering work experience, providing mentoring, adapting recruitment practices or simply making time to understand their experiences, businesses across the West Midlands have an important role to play.
At Sport 4 Life, we’re committed to creating more opportunities for young people to connect with employers, build relationships and have their voices heard.
Our Youth Voice Panel is an important part of that commitment, ensuring the people at the heart of our work are helping shape what comes next.
Because young people don’t lack ambition, talent or potential.
They need opportunities, support and people willing to listen.
And sometimes, the first step towards changing a young person’s future is simply giving them a seat at the table.
Get Involved
Want to help create more opportunities for young people across the West Midlands?
Connect with Sport 4 Life UK to find out how your business can support our work, engage with our Youth Voice Panel and help the next generation realise their potential.