Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds College of Building have joined forces to explore how sport, education and business can create opportunities, strengthen communities and deliver lasting social value across Leeds.
The partnership was launched on Friday 16 October at Leeds College of Building’s South Bank Campus, with a panel discussion titled Beyond the Build: How Sport, Business and Social Value Can Transform Communities. Hosted by Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, the discussion featured Dr Tim Crabb from Substance, Jessica Herman from Caddick and Katie White OBE MP.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared ambition to connect young people with opportunities, helping them develop valuable skills and access pathways into education, training and employment.
Dan Busfield, Head of Partnerships and Development, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, highlighted the role sport can play in supporting young people, developing resilience and opening doors to future opportunities.
“Sport is a convenor of people and linking sport, business, employers and opportunities is key,”
“Sport can instill disciplines around resilience, routine and determination, which can go on to support young people and keep them in safe environments.”
Through its network of community clubs and grassroots organisations, Leeds Rhinos Foundation aims to engage young people, build confidence and develop transferable skills that can support them beyond the sporting environment.
Working with Leeds College of Building will help connect this community reach with specialist training and potential routes into employment, particularly for those who may not have previously considered a career in construction.
Nikki Davis, Principle and CEO, Leeds College of Building, said:
“We’re hoping to reach into communities that haven’t accessed construction skills before, work with different community groups, and benefit the city of Leeds by providing access to opportunities into a highly skilled career.”
The college currently works with more than 800 employers, with industry partnerships helping shape its curriculum and create opportunities for students. The collaboration aims to support young people into employment while helping construction businesses address future skills needs.
The launch event also explored the growing importance of social value across construction and business, highlighting how employers and developers can deliver meaningful benefits for local communities through skills development, employment opportunities and community engagement.
Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE welcomed the partnership, emphasising the importance of organisations working together to unlock the potential of young people across Leeds. Having seen the impact Leeds College of Building has had on his own son, he spoke of his pride in the college and its role in creating opportunities.
“Anybody in Leeds that’s trying to create opportunities for young people in the same way that sport does at AMT Headingley, we’re right behind them and we want to support them.”
He also highlighted the barriers that can prevent young people from reaching their potential, explaining how collaboration can build stronger connections between organisations and create clearer pathways to success.
“There’s a lot of potential in the city, but often that potential never gets to its opportunity because the bridges just aren’t there.”
The partnership marks an important step in bringing together Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s community connections and Leeds College of Building’s specialist expertise to help more young people access the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive.
By strengthening connections between sport, education and industry, both organisations aim to help build stronger communities and create lasting positive change across Leeds.
See more from the event on our YouTube Channel: