Shanice & Street Elite

Shanice is 23. She was working in temporary part-time roles and looking after her young daughter when she heard about Street Elite: “At the first session there were seven young mums like me. There was a crèche so our children could be looked after whilst we trained.

“The coach showed me how to use the gym and talked about what my career path could be. The programme made me not only look for a job; it made me healthier and boosted my confidence.”

Street Elite is a training for work programme that uses sport to inspire and motivate young people into employment, education or training. It targets young people who are impacted by crime, violence and inequality – recruited directly from estates across London.

In 2019, 54 young people completed the programme for economically inactive 18-24 year olds, 85% of whom successfully moved on into employment or education at the end of the programme. Four of them found work through the Berkeley Group and its supply chain.

Shanice says: “One of the most amazing parts was being given a smart outfit before an interview coaching session. I had an interview the next week and I got it! I’m a Careers Advisor for the National Careers Service, helping to get people like me into work.”

A recent study by Bean Research found that for every £1 invested in Street Elite, it returns over £10 in social value over three years. This included significant health and wellbeing benefits, alongside increased employment. We have committed to funding Street Elite for the next five years – our longest ever partnership. This will support 440 young people from deprived areas of London, as well as enabling an exciting expansion into Birmingham.