The Make A Difference (M.A.D) Birmingham project is a Sport Birmingham open access youth development programme. 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 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.