Home
New programme launched to help young people find work across Bristol
Empire Fighting Chance has joined forces with Bristol Bears Foundation and Bristol City Robins Foundation to launch United Bristol, a new sport-based employability programme supporting young people into employment, education and training.
Backed by funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), the programme will support young people aged 18–21 across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire who are not currently in education, employment or training.
WHY THIS IS DIFFERENT?
United Bristol combines the power of boxing, football and rugby with personalised mentoring, employability support and real-world experiences to help young people build confidence and take their next step.
For many young people, finding work isn't simply about writing a CV or preparing for an interview. Challenges such as low confidence, poor mental wellbeing and limited support networks can make it difficult to know where to begin.
That's why relationships sit at the heart of United Bristol.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“I’m thrilled that Bristol City Robins Foundation, Bristol Bears Foundation and Empire Fighting Chance are coming together in this exciting new partnership, backed by my Youth Guarantee Fund."
"The West of England's Youth Guarantee is there to give young people new opportunities in training and work. By harnessing the power of sport to inspire, engage, and connect with young people from all backgrounds, United Bristol offers a unique programme to help them develop the confidence, self-esteem and skills needed to thrive in both life and the workplace.
"This is an important step forward in our ambition to become the country's first NEET Zero region, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed in a fairer economy.”
WHAT WILL YOU GET?
Participants will receive one-to-one mentoring alongside practical support including:
- Employability and life skills workshops
- CV and interview support
- Work experience opportunities
- Visits to local employers
- Accredited qualifications
- Volunteering opportunities
- Ongoing mentoring throughout their journey
At Empire Fighting Chance, we know that before someone can believe in their future, they often need someone who believes in them first.
Megan Knowelden, Head of Programmes at Empire Fighting Chance, said:
"Young people who are out of education, employment or training aren't lacking potential – they're often struggling to overcome barriers that make it harder to see a way forward. Before we can help someone into work, we have to build trust, confidence and belief in what's possible. That's where sport can be so powerful. It creates a space where relationships grow, confidence returns and young people begin to back themselves again.
"United Bristol brings together three organisations with different strengths but the same belief: every young person deserves the chance to thrive. By combining our experience across boxing, football and rugby, we're creating more opportunities for young people to build skills, grow in confidence and take the next step towards employment, education or training."
LOOKING FOR WORK IN BRISTOL?
If you're aged 18–21 and looking for support to find work, education or training, United Bristol could help.
Whether you're searching for your first job, looking for an apprenticeship or simply unsure what comes next, the programme is designed to help you build confidence, develop new skills and access opportunities.
Find out more about United Bristol and register your interest.