Outdoor activities with Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
The football World Cup was an exciting time, and all the way from England’s dramatic victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo to their sad farewell from the tournament after losing to Argentina – people shared the experience together.
And whilst it wasn’t always an easy watch, the celebrations or commiserations at the final whistle showed just how much sport can make us feel. Joy, disappointment, excitement and hope can all come in the space of 90 minutes.
The tournament also reminds us that summer has arrived. And not long after the World Cup was over, children and young people finished school and have six weeks stretching out ahead of them.
While a slower pace can be welcome, it’s also a great opportunity to get outdoors.
Scan the QR Code above to find out more on Urban Devotion Birmingham
Playing outside, being active and spending time with friends does far more than fill the hours. It builds confidence, strengthens friendships, encourages creativity, and supports good mental wellbeing.
Whether it’s football in the park, games, or simply exploring, outdoor play helps children and young people grow in healthy ways.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we’ll be running activities across Erdington throughout the summer holidays, creating safe spaces where children and young people can have fun, make friends and try something new.
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) group photo, outside Hope House in Perry Common / Supplied by UDB
Words by Amy Heyes, Urban Devotion Birmingham
Here at UDB, we believe that every child and young person in Erdington is important, unique and worth our time. This is rooted in our Christian faith and overflows into our care for and support of everyone, regardless of their religion or background.
We know that life has its ups and downs, challenges and celebrations, and we want to be there for children, young people and their families through it all.
That’s why you can find us in local schools throughout the week, as well as running free clubs and activities for families, children and young people.
It’s why young people drop in to chat with us at Hope House on Witton Lodge Road. It’s also why you might see our team in blue UDB hoodies alongside the Mobile Youth Van, parked roadside or out walking the streets.
If you’ve not joined us before — or haven’t been along for a while — we would love to see you.
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) on residential with young people / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Steph Porter, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
Let me take you back to your first school residential… mounting nerves about a night away from your mom, brewing excitement about the quantity of Haribo you’re going to eat at 11pm and the all-nighter with your dorm room buddies, anticipation of the ‘leap of faith’ which your older brother told you is a death wish, all whilst wondering if you have as much pocket money as your friend, Michael, for the gift shop, where you hope to buy a massive pencil with the camp logo on.
I’ve been running residentials for the last four years and I must tell you, they haven’t changed much! At UDB, it is a crucial part of our work in the community to give our children and young people the opportunity to go away.
As a youth worker, I love connecting with young people outside of their normal contexts because they often let their guards down in a different way to a normal drop-in or mentoring session.
Giving them a spare toothbrush when they forget theirs (frequent), needing a pep-talk pre-kayaking, finding them something different to eat when they don’t like the dinner (also frequent) are all relational luxuries when you’re away together.
We love doing life with the people we work with, and residentials are a wonderful display of this.
Mixed squad of young players at FC Elite / Photograph supplied by FC Elite
Words by Sebastian Muscroft
FC Elite are one of Birmingham’s youngest football academies. But since being founded in 2013 they have already reached some impressive milestones and set out big plans for the future.
Original formed as a women’s team, FC Elite saw early success as they gained promotion within their first season. This then prompted them to form a men’s team the following year and a youth side in 2016. The local Football Academy now have 15 teams across different age groups.
FC Elite Football Academy club founder and chairman, Mario Gerroni, told: “I started the club out of passion. Passion for football. But then it grew into having a sight, starting the roots, and leaving a legacy.”
FC Elite founder Mario Gerroni / Photograph supplied by FC Elite
The Academy used grounds across Erdington, including working with Short Heath Fields Trust to bring community sports to Short Heath Playing Fields, but found their permanent home at Twickenham Park on College Road – moving to the Kingstanding fields in 2016.
Since training and playing at Twickenham Park, FC Elite have overseen some big developments there – with a car park currently being built, as well as increasing the amount of football pitches.
“Developing the site is one of the biggest things,” adds Mario, “because now people can see it growing as it went from a closed off field to hopefully a facility now.”
This ambition is mirrored by local residents, with one telling Kingstanding Local: “It would be nice to have a good sports facility within walking distance and what the club are doing and have already done looks good.”
Map of proposed developments at Twickenham Park in Kingstanding, home ground to FC Elite / Image supplied by FC Elite
But what’s next for FC Elite?
“On the football side of things, it would be nice to get up to 20, 25 teams,” tells Mario. “We’d also like to build a sports hub for the people of Kingstanding making sure they don’t have to leave the ward for quality provisions.”
“But if we could develop the site as much as we can, we could have other things down here,” he adds, “like disability football, walking football… we’ve got paddle courts we’d like to embrace as well as tag rugby. There’s loads of things we can have down here.
“If we had a building down here, we could potentially have other organisations use it and have little offices on site, so the possibilities are endless.”
FC Elite Football Academy are also using sport to support the Kingstanding community off the pitch as well.
“One of the initiatives that I’d like to do is Club Captains,” tells Mario, “which will help to address the issue of knife crime.”
“[We’re] asking Nike to donate football boots,” he adds, “and working in schools trying to get workshops going.
“The idea is about trying to get people from different wards to come along and embrace each other rather than engaging in postcode wars and carrying a knife.”
FC Elite Academy is open to new members and have stated anyone is welcome to come down to Twickenham Park for a free trial session.
If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email: community@erdingtonlocal.com
Generic image of young people working in a classroom / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Emma Winmill, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
If you’ve got teenagers revising at the moment, you may recognise the pattern: procrastination, followed by long hours trying to catch up, and suddenly the whole house feels tense.
It might feel like the answer is to just work longer, but research suggests something different. Most of us concentrate best in short bursts of around 25 to 40 minutes, followed by a proper break.
This approach helps the brain process and retain information more effectively. By contrast, revising for hours without stopping often leads to overload, where much of what’s learned is quickly forgotten.
Breaks are not wasted time. Getting outside, moving around, or doing something enjoyable helps reset focus and reduce stress.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we see every young person as more than how they do at school. Exams matter, but they do not define who someone is or what they can become. Every young person has their own strengths, and part of our role is helping them recognise that.
So this exam season, aim for balance. Encourage steady revision, proper rest, and time to recharge. We will be there every weekday, providing spaces for young people to rest and reset. Visit www.urbandevotion.org/activities for details.
And remember, success is not just about results. It is also about being well, growing in confidence, and holding onto hope for what comes next.
Representation of boulder pulled back from Jesus’ tomb on Easter Sunday / Image from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Joel Goodlet, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
On the very first Easter Sunday, John’s gospel tells us that a woman called Mary Magdalene was alone in the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried.
Two of Jesus’ more famous male followers have found the tomb empty, inspected the folded burial clothes and left with a story they don’t yet understand.
Mary can’t leave. John tells us that she walks into the tomb with tears in her eyes.
When the risen Jesus appears and calls her name, he stands between her and the world she has left behind to grieve him. She turns. In a society that didn’t accept women as legal witnesses, the Bible tells us God chose Mary as the first witness of the resurrection.
This year our TV screens and social media feeds have been filling up with news of violence and abuses of power. The peace of a struggling planet seems fragile. Perhaps you’ve felt like Mary. Perhaps you’ve turned your back on the world. Perhaps this Easter feels like a time of grief.
At UDB, we believe Easter Sunday’s story.
What Mary discovered remains true today. The hidden and the hurting have not been overlooked. There is a reason to turn your gaze back out to the world. It’s worth letting the sunrise show you how this day might look more hopeful.
There are so many sad, terrifying stories all around us in 2026. But there is another story, too. There is a hope that outlasts them all.
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) team outside Hope House, Perry Common / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) we know how important places of safety and play are for children and young people in our communities. We aim to provide places like this across Erdington, utilising brilliant shared spaces like Family Hubs and churches, and teams of faithful, friendly volunteers.
Play is often an underrated activity for young people and adults alike! Play involves fun and enjoyment, builds bridges between different people and helps to relax the body. Play fires up the brain, boosting resilience, creativity and well-being.
At our Youth Café, based at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street, our team of Youth Leaders listen to, care for and engage young people in play – and have a great time!
Through the ups and downs of life in secondary school, plus the dark, cold winter months, we are present and available for young people to come and play, leave the day behind for a short time and find rest for their mind, body and spirit.
“Thank you for giving us a safe and fun place to hang out…”
“Thank you all for being there for us when we needed a safe place to talk about our day…”
“I appreciate your effort in making Youth Club a place where I can unwind…”
Do you know a young person in need of a safe place to play, find rest and have fun?
For more information about Youth Café and other activities visit www.urbandevotion.org and get in touch – or scan the QR code above.
Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Team from Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) talking to young people / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Ash Porter, Volunteer Co-ordinator and Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
At this time of year many of us are inevitably drawn into thinking about what our dreams and goals are. What do you want to happen? What would you like to achieve? What are your dreams?
And it isn’t just adults who ask these questions. Children and young people across Erdington will be asking them too.
Last year UDB did a piece of research with over 110 young people, asking them questions about their dreams and ambitions for the future. We found that 88% of those questioned had goals or dreams for the future.
Some talked about traveling more, others about becoming musicians, and some simply wanted a family of their own one day. There was a vast range of dreams and hopes, all full of unique hope for the future.
At UDB we passionately believe that every young person is full of potential, and we want to see them work towards achieving these dreams. Schools play their part by educating and equipping young people. Families provide a home and support from which to build on.
At UDB we provide spaces for young people to grow in confidence and self-esteem, build lasting relationships, try new things and grow as individuals. All of this builds a foundation for young people to pursue their purpose and reach their full potential.
Do you know what the children and young people in your life dream of for their future, and is there any way you could help them achieve their dreams this year?
Youth engagement with Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Callum Hodson, Community Activity Developer at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB), we believe that listening to young people is one of the most powerful ways to build a stronger, more hopeful community.
When we listen, we don’t just hear words; we understand experiences, dreams and challenges that shape the future of Erdington.
Our recent research found that 85% of young people in Erdington enjoy living in the area, showing how deeply connected they feel to their community. But we’ve also heard that many struggle with low confidence and limited aspirations.
Listening helps us see beyond the surface and respond with compassion, opportunity and support.
At UDB, we are here, walking alongside young people every day. Through our weekly drop-in sessions, we offer safe spaces to talk, create and grow. These conversations are where change begins.
When young people feel heard, they begin to believe that their voice matters, and that belief can transform lives.
With 37% of young people in Erdington facing mental health challenges, listening is more vital than ever. It takes empathy, time and community effort, because it truly takes a village to help young people thrive.
So here’s a challenge: Is there a young person you know who needs someone to listen, to feel heard and seen?
Your time and attention could make all the difference. Together, we can ensure every young voice in Erdington is valued and every young person feels they belong.
UDB Cooking Club at Lakeside Children’s Centre / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Ash Porter, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
In the heart of the Wyrley Birch Estate there is a wonderful children’s hub called Lakeside Children’s Centre and on Tuesday afternoon you’ll find the place overflowing with UDB’s team running sessions.
From 3:30pm-4:30pm there’s a brilliant children and families session. Here our team create a safe space for families and primary school children to play, eat our famous toasties, and create lasting friendships.
Our young people in secondary school have their own space from 5:00pm-6:00pm where they too are welcomed and have a space for themselves. These sessions are both free, and open access. We’d love to see you there.
We also run two developmental groups, Cooking Club and SPARK, aimed at young people we work closely with.
At Cooking Club they’ve learnt how bake plenty of sweet goods, but more recently have stepped into learning to prepare full meals. Last Christmas they were involved in cooking a Christmas dinner for over 50 people from the community.
SPARK is a music-based activity, where some of our young people are exploring their musical skills and even learning to write their own songs. One girl, when she first joined SPARK, was shy and could barely even sing out loud to the group. A few months later, she signed up to sing at her school summer showcase.
As young people learn tangible skills and are encouraged in their endeavours. We see them grow as people and in their self-esteem. On Tuesdays at Lakeside, we see transformation, one life at a time.
