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.
Navjeet Sira, Director of Design and Impact, The Change Foundation said: “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.”
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.
