Levelling the Playing Field (LtPF) has received a major honour after being endorsed by United by Birmingham 2022, the community programme of the Commonwealth Games.

LtPF, in partnership with the Youth Justice Board, will use the power of sport to engage and improve health and life outcomes for over 11,200 black, Asian and minority ethnic children who are in, or on the fringes of, the Criminal Justice System.

The Commonwealth Games will be held in Birmingham in two years’ time, and the United by Birmingham 2022 community programme has been set up to recognise projects which are delivered by grassroots organisations and which have a positive impact on the communities they serve across a diverse range of subjects.

The projects chosen support Birmingham’s 2022 vision and mission, which is to:

• Bring people together: These Games will embrace and champion the youth, diversity, humanity and pride of the region and the Commonwealth.
• Improve health and wellbeing: Inspire, engage and connect communities and athletes to realise their full potential and live happier, healthier lives.
• Help the region to grow and succeed: Drive sustainable growth and aspiration; creating opportunities through trade, investment, jobs, volunteering and skills.
• Be a catalyst for change: Transform and strengthen local communities, working together to deliver new and improved homes, facilities and transport links.
• Put us on the global stage: Deliver an unforgettable, global Games in partnership, on time and on budget to showcase the best of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the Commonwealth.

As a result of its successful application, LtPF will be promoted on the Birmingham 2022 website and will be able to use, under licence, the new programme logo to amplify its communications activity. 

Keith Fraser, Chair of the Youth Justice Board, said: “It is testament to the significance of our work that Birmingham 2022 have decided to endorse this project. It gives hope to the children involved and provides another pathway of support to help them to reach their full potential. My thanks to all involved in this collaboration.”

Alliance of Sport Chief Executive James Mapstone was also delighted to see LtPF endorsed by United by Birmingham 2022, explaining: “I believe that effective collaboration will soon be the ‘new normal’ and this project exemplifies what can be achieved when great people come together.

“LtPF will amplify and champion the voice of the child, local stakeholders and work closely WITH local communities to galvanise change.

“We are thankful to United by Birmingham 2022 and we look forward to building the evidence base, showcasing the power of sport and helping to create a level playing field in our Criminal Justice System.”