Networking event highlighted growing impact across the city and called for new corporate partners to help create lasting opportunities for young people.
Businesses came together in Birmingham on Thursday 1 October to attend ‘The Power of Partnership in Community Sport’, an event showcasing how local organisations can support more disabled and disadvantaged young people to access the life-changing benefits of sport.
Held at Fieldfisher’s Birmingham office, the event highlighted Access Sport’s growing presence across the West Midlands and presented opportunities for organisations to support the charity’s ambitious plans for future growth in the region.
The event came after a landmark summer for Access Sport in Birmingham, during which the charity played a key role in delivering the social impact legacy of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships through the Beyond Social Impact Framework. With around 400 families, carers and support workers, attending an Inclusive Sport Festival at Alexander Stadium in May to celebrate the historic championships.
The summer also saw the launch of a major city-wide billboard campaign celebrating the stories of local young people benefiting from the Beyond programme. Featuring Birmingham participants such as Sian, the campaign brought the legacy of Birmingham 2026 to life across the city and highlighted the importance of creating inclusive opportunities in community sport for all young people.
Helen Rowbotham, Chief Executive of Access Sport, said:
“This event demonstrated the incredible appetite that exists across Birmingham for organisations to work together to create positive change through sport. We’ve seen first-hand this summer what can be achieved when partners unite behind a shared vision. However, there is still much more to do. We want every disabled and disadvantaged young person in Birmingham to have access to inclusive community sport. Achieving that will require ambitious partnerships, and we’re excited to continue conversations with organisations that share our commitment to creating lasting impact.”
The evening featured a panel discussion on widening access to community sport, bringing together Paralympian Olivia Breen, England Athletics Chief Executive Chris Jones, Dr Jeevan Singh Chagger from Birmingham Hockey Club and emerging para-athlete Daina Donnelly. Panellists discussed the role of inclusive clubs, the importance of representation and the opportunities presented by the Birmingham 2026 legacy to create lasting change across the region.
The event also shone a spotlight on the growing partnership between Fieldfisher and Access Sport. Since launching in December 2024, the partnership has raised more than £75,000 through fundraising and match funding initiatives, alongside providing over £53,000 worth of pro bono legal support and additional in-kind support to strengthen the charity’s operations and long-term sustainability.
Ranjit Dhindsa, Partner at Fieldfisher, said:
“Birmingham has a strong tradition of businesses working together to support their communities, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen through our partnership with Access Sport. The momentum created by Birmingham 2026 has given the city a real opportunity to build a lasting legacy for disabled and disadvantaged young people, but that can only happen through continued collaboration. We hope this event encourages more organisations across the West Midlands to get involved and help ensure that inclusive sport remains a defining part of the region’s future.”
Millie Hawes, Head of Just Purpose at Fieldfisher, said:
“Our partnership with Access Sport shows what can be achieved when businesses and charities work together with a shared purpose. Over the past two years, we’ve been proud to support Access Sport through fundraising, pro bono legal advice and volunteering, helping the charity expand its reach and create more opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged young people. Bringing organisations together in Birmingham was an important opportunity to highlight the impact already being made and inspire more businesses to play a role in creating lasting change through inclusive sport.”
Access Sport is now looking to build on the momentum generated over the summer and through the event itself by developing new relationships with businesses across the West Midlands. The charity offers bespoke partnerships that can include employee engagement, volunteering opportunities, fundraising, skills-based support and long-term strategic collaboration.
Access Sport is calling on corporate organisations to play their part in helping more young people experience the confidence, connection and belonging that inclusive community sport can provide.
For more information, visit www.AccessSport.org.uk/become-a-corporate-partner
To download images from the event, click the link below.
The Power of Partnership in Community Sport >
