The Berkeley Foundation, the independent charitable foundation set up by the Berkeley Group, has extended its long-standing partnership with Street Elite for an additional five years. The renewed commitment will run from January 2025 through 2029, with a financial investment of over £1,550,000. The partnership is aimed at empowering young people from some of the most underserved communities across London and Birmingham.
Street Elite, delivered by The Change Foundation, is a pioneering programme that uses sport as a catalyst to support young people aged 16 to 25 who are furthest removed from education, employment, and training.
This year, the programme celebrates its 1000th graduate and 13 years of transforming lives through the power of sport. Over this time, in partnership with the Berkeley Foundation, over 1,010 young people have engaged in Street Elite programmes, from which 81% transitioned into employment, education or further training.
Through weekly sessions, participants develop teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills, while also receiving employability training. The relationships that are developed in these sessions make mentorship more effective. Participants are guided towards long-term employment and education options and supported with work placements within Berkeley Group or its supply chain – all of which equips them for the workforce.
The Street Elite Entrepreneur Fund is another pathway to economic independence for participants with support available to graduates who want to start their own businesses, in the form of access to both funding and business coaching.
2014 Street Elite Graduate and now Street Elite Coach, Grace Ekewuba Padonu said, “Street Elite transformed my life a decade ago and continues to do so today. I have personally and professionally witnessed the programme’s ability to fill in the gap and fight for the lives and futures of young people who are often victims of their circumstances. I’m proud to now work as a fundraiser and advocate for Street Elite’s amazing work, helping ensure others have the same opportunities that changed my life.”
Over 70% of the current coaches are graduates of the programme, who have first-hand experience navigating the same challenges as those they now mentor. This community driven approach is instrumental to its success, ensuring the programme remains responsive to the challenges of the young people it serves.
As the Berkeley Foundation and The Change Foundation partnership enters this new phase, it marks a renewed commitment to long-term investment in youth services and early-stage intervention that delivers significant benefits for communities.
Navjeet Sira, Director of Design and Impact, The Change Foundation said, “Long-term support and evolution are vital to empowering vulnerable and talented young people as they begin their careers. Not everyone succeeds on the first try, which is why standing by them, navigating challenges, and adapting to their needs is key to helping them achieve the lives they dream of. Since work means something different to each of us, our methods of using sport for social change in Street Elite must evolve to match their ambitions. But transformation isn’t possible alone. It’s through long-term partnerships that real change happens. We are thrilled to embark on another five-year journey with the Berkeley Foundation, a partner deeply committed to every step of this mission. Together, we’re ready to shape a new and improved Street Elite.”
