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Newsletter Introduction
Welcome back, we hope you all had a relaxing break and are looking forward to seeing what 2026 will bring! As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time for children and young people across the city to get active, try something new, and look ahead to a year full of exciting opportunities.
This term brings a wide range of sporting activities, events and programmes designed to inspire participation, build skills and support healthy, active lifestyles. From school and community sport to city-wide initiatives, there are plenty of ways for young people to get involved, stay motivated and enjoy being active with others.
In this edition, you’ll find the latest updates, upcoming opportunities and useful resources to support schools, teachers and young people throughout the year. Be sure to check our events page regularly, as new opportunities will continue to be added.
Here’s to a positive, active and exciting year ahead!
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Listening to You: Consultation Sessions Across Birmingham
Throughout the autumn term, Sport Birmingham delivered a series of consultation and youth voice sessions across four priority wards in Birmingham, ensuring the experiences of children, young people and those supporting them directly informed future work. Sessions were held in primary and secondary schools and with PE leads, School Games Organisers, Active Birmingham Anchors and key leaders within community spaces.
These conversations provided a clear and consistent picture of the barriers and opportunities around physical activity in the city. A key finding was a disconnect between schools and local opportunities - many young people were unaware of clubs and activities available in their area, while staff reported uncertainty around which community organisations they could confidently and safely signpost to. Safety concerns, particularly around using outdoor spaces and travelling to local activities, were a significant barrier to participation. The sessions also reinforced the critical role of friends and family in shaping a young person’s motivation to be active, both during and beyond the school day. It also highlighted that young people have difficulty understanding the positive impact physical activity can have on their mental health and wellbeing.
These insights are invaluable in shaping how schools, system partners and community organisations can work together to create safer, connected and more accessible opportunities for those within the community. Sport Birmingham would like to thank all who took part and helped ensure local voices continue to guide future work across the city. |
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Take a look at the Sport Birmingham events page here which includes a range of schools related events to check out. |
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SGO Update
Across the city, there is a dedicated network of School Games Organisers who work to inspire and support schools in creating positive and active environments for all young people. Their primary focus is on helping schools embed physical activity into everyday school life by providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for all abilities.
School Games Organisers play a vital role in developing leadership opportunities for young people, offering high-quality CPD for staff and building meaningful partnerships with local community organisations and National Governing Bodies. Through this collaborative approach, they ensure schools are equipped with the tools, knowledge and support needed to make physical activity sustainable and impactful.
To find out more about the School Games Organisers, please click here. To see the impact they have within the city, please see a selection of case studies on our website. |
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New Mental Health Toolkit for Schools: The Daily Mile & SAMH
A brand-new Mental Health Toolkit is now available for schools, created by The Daily Mile Foundation in partnership with SAMH. Designed with teachers, the toolkit includes simple, practical activities to support children’s emotional wellbeing through movement. It’s free to access for all Daily Mile schools and perfect for classroom or PSHE use.
Register here to access the registration form |
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VI Active Together
VI Active Together is a place-based programme with a targeted approach to creating sustainable sporting opportunities for blind and partially sighted people in specific local communities. We are currently focusing on the Birmingham area and are pleased to share that we have 3 clubs confirmed for the project. See below for details.
Crescent Archers will be delivering four monthly archery sessions in community venues in Small Heath and Tysley for visually impaired people aged 10+ and their families starting in March.
Matt Hillman Tennis will be delivering VI tennis sessions for children aged 5-10 years old on Tuesdays 4:30pm-5:30pm at West Heath Primary School starting in February.
Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre will be delivering sessions for visually impaired people and their families at Bartley Green starting in April, once the sailing season starts.
For more information about any of the sessions and how to get involved email shamira@britishblindsport.org.uk or ring 01926 424247. |
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Pickleball CPD PE Teachers
An inclusive, fast-growing sport for every age and ability.
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK - it’s easy to learn, fun to play, and perfect for school settings. Children pick it up faster than tennis, and it’s a game that parents and even grandparents can join in with too.
Options for Your School
1. Introductory Sessions for Pupils
● Delivered by an experienced Pickleball coach
● Up to 30 pupils per session (with school staff support)
● All equipment provided: paddles, balls, nets
2. PE Staff CPD (2 Hours)
● Train your teachers to deliver Pickleball with confidence
● Cost: £40 per staff member
● Venue: School sports hall with badminton courts
3. Pickleball England Leaders Certification CPD
● Recognised 3-4 hour course with booklet
● Cost: £50 per staff member
● Official certification from Pickleball England
4. After School Clubs (Including Families)
● Perfect for children, parents, and grandparents to play together
● Builds community, inclusivity, and fun beyond the school day
Why Pickleball?
● Inclusive: Suitable for all ages and abilities
● Accessible: Easier to learn than tennis
● Versatile: Best indoors on badminton courts, outdoors in summer
● Affordable: Guidance on the most cost-effective equipment provided
● Sustainable: Ongoing guidance and support included
Testimonial
“We invited Michael into Woodthorpe as part of our National School Sports Week for 2025. Our aim was to expose our children to ‘new’ sporting opportunities - Michael, and the sport of pickleball, certainly delivered! Michael was able to run workshops for our KS2 classes throughout the day, giving the children first-hand experience with one of the fastest growing sports in the world. The legacy of the visit are planned pickleball after-school clubs, lunchtime opportunities, as well as potential inter-school competition through our School Games Organiser. As a school we also see the value of the sport as potentially being a great example for net/wall games when delivering the physical education curriculum.”
Matt Trevor, Deputy Headteacher, Woodthorpe JI School, Birmingham
Next Steps
- Recommended: Train PE staff as soon as possible to embed Pickleball into your curriculum
- Book your sessions today and bring the world’s fastest-growing sport to your school
Contact: Michael de Groot
Pickleball Coach & West Midlands Regional Director for Pickleball England
📞 07866 471596
📧 michael@stayingalivepickleball.com
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Birchfield Harriers
After a successful meeting in 2025 - working with Sport Birmingham and United by 2022 - the Birmingham Schools Championships are back!
Wednesday 6th May - assistant officials training day - for pupils from participating schools to be trained as assistant officials
Wednesday 13th May - the championships - open to Birmingham schools - teams of 6/7 boys, 6/7 girls - same TT as 2025 - this year to include individuals (with potential) from other schools who can’t enter teams.
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Bounce into Action with Ready Set Squash!
Looking for a high-energy sport to get your pupils moving? Ready, Set, Squash brings squash into your primary school with flexible resources that make PE simple and fun.
We know your time is precious - that’s why we’ve made it effortless to get started:
Fully curriculum-aligned and classroom-ready.
Free online training and flexible lesson plans you can trust.
Step-by-step video tutorials for every session.
Guides to help you coach with confidence - even without experience
Keep all your pupils active, engaged, and smiling from start to finish with fast-paced, action-filled sessions where squash packs more into every minute. Children will build agility, confidence, and coordination in an inclusive, adaptable programme perfect for halls, playgrounds, and multi-use spaces.
Join schools across the country who are bringing squash to life in their classrooms. |
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Can You Help us Find a Future Lioness - Referral Window NOW OPEN!
Talent is Everywhere - Help us Uncover the Next Generation of Lionesses - Referral Window open until 6th February 2026
Who from your County will be in the squad for the 2035 Women’s World Cup - we need to find her NOW! Refer her to the FA through Discover My Talent.
From 6th January 2026 - 6th February 2026, we’re calling on everyone who works with young players - coaches, volunteers, teachers, referees and supporters - to help us find the next generation of future lionesses.
If you know a player with talent now, or the potential to shine in the future, take just a few minutes to complete the Discover My Talent referral form. It’s quick, simple, and could change a young person’s life.
🔗 Click here to access the form from the England Football Website
🔗 Click here to access the form directly (opens 6th January)
From January 2026, we’re focusing on players born in 2007 - 2013. Players can come from every corner of the game: small-sided, recreational, girls, mixed, affiliated, and un-affiliated football. Talent is everywhere - but opportunity only happens when someone steps up to make a referral.
📅 Don’t wait - the referral window closes 6th February 2026.
Let’s make sure no talent goes unnoticed. Who will you champion today?
For any questions, contact alexis.lunn-gadd@thefa.com
Can you help us Find a Future Lioness - Referral Window NOW OPEN! |
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Birmingham Panthers School & Club Programmes
We offer a range of opportunities for schools, including:
- Hosting masterclasses and holiday camps
- Becoming a venue for our CUBS programme (Years 4-6)
- Training sessions delivered by a Birmingham Panthers Level 2 Community Coach, starting from £25 per player
Unity CUP
Saturday 22nd March 2025
King Edward’s Five Ways
Unity Cup Timings
Warm-up: 8:30am | Games: 9:00am-1:00pm
Birmingham Panthers vs Manchester Thunder
Utilita Arena Birmingham
Face-off: 3:00pm | Prizegiving: Half-time
About the Unity Cup
An inclusive netball tournament celebrating diversity and community, marking the launch of the Birmingham Panthers’ partnership with the Pakistani Netball Academy. Open to both competitive and social teams.
Age Groups: U18 & 18+
Grades: Competitive & Social
Entry: £250 per team
(Includes 12 tickets to the NSL game)
Birmingham Panthers Home Game
Experience elite netball in the heart of Birmingham with Birmingham Panthers.
Family fun alert! 🚨 Tickets from £17 & just £5.70 for under 16's!
Experience edge-of-your-seat netball together - grab your seats now and create unforgettable memories with loved ones!
Teachers, Want to bring your class? Why not take advantage of our group offers, where groups of 10 or more save 10%:
Booking link here |
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Sport Birmingham,
11th Floor, Cobalt Square, 83-85 Hagley Road,
Birmingham, B16 8QG Registered charity number: 1155171 |
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