Monday 23 March marked the official signing date that we joined the Birmingham City FC Foundation. It is a community programme provided by the football club to provide a whole host of benefits in support of stronger, safer and healthier communities. It offers this under the club’s banner of “Driving change in Birmingham”.

The foundation’s CEO Jeremy Dale, together with patrons Louise Quinn and Tom Ross visited us to announce and celebrate the partnership. They enjoyed a tour and had the opportunity to talk to our staff and pupils during their time here. “Birmingham City FC Foundation has been involved with Kingshurst for a number of years providing training camps and other activities. This new partnership marks a deeper association as it formalises the structured provision of support provided and includes 2 full-time members of staff from the foundation” explained Jeremy.

College Leader Mr Evans said “The new owners of Birmingham City FC completely refreshed their schools’ scheme about 3 years ago. They started in the city centre, working with schools such as Balham Wood which has become its flagship school. I was impressed with how hard they worked to help improve pupils’ life chances in less advantaged areas so I asked for Kingshurst to be considered. We ticked every box for their criteria – and they ticked every box for us”.

The main areas the foundation concentrates on are:

• sport for all
• healthy lives
• healthy people
• stronger communities
• skills and education

At Kingshurst we realise these aims through helping with the mental and emotional wellbeing of each pupil; leadership programmes as a pathway to sports careers; health awareness through a range of activities such as nutrition and cooking skills – which is also open to parents; focused, positive lunchtime and after-school activities; and sharing resources with the local community.

The two Birmingham City Foundation Coaches and Mentors, Hannah Campbell and Jahrome Faulder, encourage our pupils to engage, chat and take part in the various programmes available. The pupils see the mentors as role models and there is a strong level of pupil engagement through the popular connection with Birmingham City FC.

Righteous, Year 9: “The team leaders from the foundation are always respectful and welcoming. I like how they help us find extra pathways for our careers.”

Adina, Year 8: “I’ve gained more confidence, learned new things and also got more strength as well. I’m more active and included in more things.”

The foundation has become part of our daily life, helping the children to develop socially, thrive in different environments and give a good representation of themselves. The mentors help by talking, engaging and providing strategies to manage behaviour, remove barriers to learning such as anxiety, encouraging attendance, and providing carefully matched strategies to support any wellbeing issues.

Migual (Year 8): “I’ve really enjoyed the practical things that will help us in all sports – and having fun as well.”

Heidi (Year 9): “I talk to Hannah who is a mentor. She’s really respectful – you can go and talk to her and she’ll listen. My behaviour has been better since I have been going to her. I’ve also been more active.”

This initiative has led to us sharing our facilities locally so the foundation can help more families in the area. Mr Evans explained “Through the foundation we are able to make an impact on our students during the day and then extend it out after school hours into the wider community on a long-term basis, it works really well”. 

Painted on the walls here is a Birmingham City FC Foundation quote in the club’s blue colours – in foot high lettering – declaring “I think that’s what every kid just needs to know – if you have a dream you can go and achieve it”  – a great, daily reminder to everybody of the most important reason behind the partnership.