The City of Birmingham is launching an innovative £3.5 million scheme to support their work in the community after an OFSTED inspection at one of their partner schools showed a significant improvement in fortunes.
King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy is a school where 97 per cent of students receive free school meals and is the first school to be converted into an academy through Birmingham City Foundation's School Partners programme.
Foundation coaches at Balaam Wood have been working daily across the academic timetable since last year when the school was given a 'needs improvement' rating by the OFSTED school inspectorate.
Balaam Wood has just been upgraded two levels to 'good' in its latest review, with OFSTED pointing to the partnership with the City of Birmingham as an example of how they go above and beyond for their students.
The City of Birmingham is wasting no time in building on this and is now preparing to launch the 1875 Club to fund the launch of their schools program in various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
The 1875 Club is a nod to the club's birth 149 years ago and is a private members' club offering 1,875 people the opportunity to contribute £1,875 to join the Football Club's efforts to help rejuvenate the city.
The club's premise is that the city treats a lot of people very well, many of whom owe their success to Birmingham.
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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham and Middlesbrough
They hope the innovative scheme, which gives those with wider shoulders the opportunity to support parts of the city that need a helping hand, will raise £3.5 million to support the club's work with schools as well as other community projects.
Singh gets the role of Blues
last month, Sky Sports News Panjabi Blues co-founder Sukh Singh will head up Birmingham City's new Official Supporters Clubs (OSC) network, it has been revealed. Along with fellow Platinum guest member Paul Delves.
Singh has emerged as a prominent figure in a number of Force for Good initiatives in the Blues in recent years, with his Punjabi Blues group raising more than £11,500 for Blue Nose Day in December, to support Birmingham City's partnership with Birmingham Children's Society. Trust after organizing the first 'Sleep Out at St Andrews'.
Birmingham City chief executive Gary Cook discusses the club's work at Balaam Wood Academy
An instantly recognizable figure in home and away matches, Singh was part of Birmingham City's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group last season.
He also appeared live Sky Sports News To respond to the ad Tom Brady became a minority owner of the club.
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Panjabi Blues founder and president Sukh Singh reacts to news of Tom Brady's investment in Birmingham
Singh said Sky Sports News: “It is an honor and a privilege to serve a great organization like Birmingham City Football Club.
“The Official Supporters Club gives us a unique opportunity to properly unite, bringing Blues fans everywhere closer to the club and making them part of the special journey this football club is embarking on.”
British South Asians in football
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