M.A.D Birmingham

M.A.D Birmingham works with community partners, residents, parents and schools to provide a sustainable offer that has evolved from open access youth clubs and outreach services, to a tailored sports-driven mentoring programme for young people aged 11-16.

The aim of the M.A.D mentoring programme is to work with young people who face personal and social disadvantage or circumstances that make it difficult for them to cope within formal structures. The referred pupils engage in a 6-week personal development programme that encourages them to reflect on their current and previous behaviours, equip them with life skills to assist their development both within and outside of the school setting and help them to transfer their learning into real life situations.

The programme comprises of classroom, scenario-based delivery which is then incorporated within a practical setting using sport and physical activities. Importantly, M.A.D is young person-lead, meaning that activities are informed by the young people and based on their needs and interests.

History of M.A.D Birmingham

2024 – 2025

Sport Birmingham ambassador Dan Smith collaborates with the MAD team, and is involved in mentoring and inspiring participants at various events.

SAFE Programme

Delivery of the SAFE mentoring programme within Arena, Fortis, George Dixon and Greenwood Academies.

The SAFE’s aims are to:

• Enhance educational achievements
• Develop life and employability skills that promote self-efficacy and resilience
• Harness the power of physical activity, wellness initiatives, and mentoring for positive change Foster a sense of civic responsibility within communities and neighbourhoods

Urban Sports

The MAD team work as a delivery partner at various Active Birmingham anchor events including Urban Sports events held at Eden Boys Leadership Academy in Alum Rock, and St. Paul’s Community Trust in Balsall Heath. Targeting delivery in areas of greatest need.

HAF Camps

In collaboration with Bring it on Brum, the MAD team are involved in delivering HAF Camps (Holiday Activities and Food Programme).  The camps are held at various schools across the city including Fortis Academy, Arena Academy, Ark Boulton Academy, Aston Manor Academy, Holyhead School and Bishop Ilsley School.  Activities include football, basketball, benchball and badminton. The young people enjoy a free hot meal plus additional activities such as art and craft, games and hair and beauty. The MAD team also organise day trips to Ninja Warrior Walsall.

2023

The Stockfield Youth Club was formed by the Stockfield Community Association (SCA) and the MAD team through a Clarion Futures Youth Ambassadors programme. The Youth Ambassadors programme aims to engage young people from local communities in a social action project.

2022

MAD delivers Step Together Safe Passage model. A school and community based intervention, covering specified routes to and from schools and the pupils and community members who use them. The core feature of Step Together involves placing qualified adults – ‘chaperones’ on high-footfall routes used by pupils walking to and from school. With a key intent to reduce crime or violence.

2021

M.A.D Birmingham joined United By Birmingham 2022. M.A.D joined the community program to:

• Bring people together
• Improve Health & wellbeing
• Help Region to grow succeed
• Be a catalyst for change
• Put our city on the global stage

2020

M.A.D Birmingham delivered a youth led camp at Shard End Wellbeing Centre – during the Half term February 2020

The M.A.D project gives opportunities for young people to gain experience and help them with their future careers. The volunteers helped come up with activities for the children which was a mix of sport and physical activity, arts/crafts, music & cooking.

Sport England: Sport for all Event

The M.A.D team spoke and showcased their project at the event.

2019

M.A.D Birmingham Activity Summer Camp 2019

In the summer of 2019, M.A.D Birmingham had 3 sites across Birmingham putting on activities, with food for FREE in aspire to get children and young people together doing fun activities, such as sports, rapping, dancing etc to have fun in their holidays and make new friends!

M.A.D Birmingham Summer Activity Camps 2019 – Volunteers & Staff Experience

M.A.D Birmingham love to give opportunities to Young people and want to Make. A. Difference in people’s lives. We had over 50 staff and volunteers across 3 sites every day during the summer period. Have a look at what experience the volunteers and staff got through working at M.A.D.

2018

M.A.D’s First football tournament (Power League football tournament) for young people at Aston Power league.

2017

M.A.D Birmingham launch and hold their first camp.