Helping students stay engaged, connected and ready for their future
Playing for the Future is a preventative inclusion and engagement programme helping secondary schools improve behaviour, attendance, belonging and student outcomes.
Designed for students in Years 7–11, the programme provides early intervention and preventative support before behaviour, attendance and wellbeing concerns escalate. By embedding consistent support into the school day, we help young people stay connected to mainstream education and build the confidence, skills and aspirations they need for their future.
OUR SERVICES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO INCREASE ATTAINMENT, ATTENDANCE, POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR, ENGAGEMENT AND ASPIRATIONS
Early intervention that rebuilds connection
Students don’t disengage overnight. They disconnect over time.
Playing for the Future helps schools intervene earlier, providing students with trusted relationships and targeted support when they need it most.
By working alongside your existing pastoral team, we help students feel safe, supported and connected to school life – strengthening:
- Attendance and engagement
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Confidence and wellbeing
- Personal development
- Future aspirations and progression
The programme also supports schools across key Ofsted priorities including behaviour and attitudes, student attendance and personal development.
Embedded support that fits around your school
Playing for the Future is designed to integrate into your existing school day and pastoral structure, providing consistent support without adding unnecessary pressure to your team.
Our staff work alongside pastoral teams, teachers and families to provide targeted support throughout a young person’s journey.
Trusted Adult Guarantee: Consistent one-to-one mentoring
Every student works with one consistent mentor throughout the programme.
A dedicated Sport 4 Life mentor is embedded in school for one day each week, delivering up to six one-to-one mentoring sessions focused around each student’s individual needs, challenges and goals.
Regular goal reviews, parent and carer communication and progression planning help ensure support remains joined-up and responsive.
Pitch to Profession Curriculum: Building skills for life
Structured personal development helps students build the skills and confidence they need both inside and outside the classroom.
Through mentoring and targeted group workshops, students can develop confidence, decision-making and relationship skills while preparing for life beyond school.
Bridge to Industry: Connecting school with future pathways
We help students connect what they are learning today with where it could take them tomorrow.
Practical experiences can include employer encounters, workplace visits, work experience, college taster days, careers insight, mock interviews and CV and application support – helping students develop aspirations and understand the pathways available to them.
Award-winning services
Sport 4 Life UK have been awarded a Skills Builder Impact Level 4, or “Progressing in essential skills,” which is the highest accreditation awarded by the Skills Builder Partnership, signifying that a program successfully helps participants to reflect on and grow in their essential skills.
To achieve this level, programs must provide structured opportunities for skill reflection, incorporate content that targets specific steps of progress within the Skills Builder Universal Framework, and demonstrate measurable skill development in participants.
Proven impact: Helping students & schools succeed
At Sport 4 Life, we have a strong track record of delivering results for schools and students across the West Midlands. We’ve partnered with over 50 schools, supporting over 1,500 pupils in the West Midlands. In that time:
- 37% of students improved attainment
- 47% of students improved their attendance
- 71% of students improved their behaviour and engagement in lessons
- 40% of students improved at least one of the above
Additional School Services
Our wider school services help students build practical skills, confidence and leadership experience beyond the classroom, while supporting Ofsted’s focus on personal development.
Employability Skills
Our practical employability workshops help prepare students for the world of work, building confidence and essential skills through areas such as:
- CV writing
- Interview techniques and mock interviews
- Workplace communication and professionalism
- Financial education and budgeting
Sports & Dance Leadership Qualifications
Students can also work towards recognised Sports or Dance Leadership Qualifications, developing valuable leadership, communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
Through practical learning, students build confidence and experience that can support their progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE THE CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED TO MOVE INTO SUSTAINED EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING
Support packages and pricing
The earlier students receive support, the greater the impact.
We’re partnering with secondary schools planning their early intervention and inclusion strategy. If you’re looking to strengthen behaviour, attendance, engagement and student outcomes, we’d love to explore how Playing for the Future could support your school.
Register your school
How we help
Mentoring
Our mentors work on a one-to-one basis to provide support, assistance, encouragement and inspiration during and following our programmes.
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Employability skills
Get job ready! Get support with CV writing, interview techniques and tips, career pathway advice, and mock interviews.
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Qualifications
Level up and improve your chances of moving into further education and employment with the help of our online and in-person courses and qualifications.
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Sports sessions
Our sports sessions support young people to stay active, develop life skills and meet new people.
learn moreLatest success stories
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We want to give every young person we work with the chance to make a positive change in their lives
“I’m really glad that Sport 4 Life UK didn't give up on me. I really appreciate the support they gave me. It has motivated me to do better and be a better person.”
Hazel Robinson, aged 13
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