Birmingham Youth Sports Academy celebrated its 15th Year at their Annual charity dinner event at the Holiday Inn hotel on Friday 12th May 2017.
Once again the event was a sell out and attracted sponsors and new faces, with over 400 guests in attendance. The BYSA had an action packed night including a 3 course meal, after dinner speakers, entertainment, an auction, raffle and awards.
Distinguished guests from all over the professional, public, business, media and voluntary sectors attended, with celebrities such as Jason Macateer, Steve Staunton, Gary Shaw, Mark Walters, Kash Gill, Kev Orkian, Zamaan Magician, the Socharo dancers and the lovely Noreen Khan as the compere for the evening.
The evening was a huge success, with many impressed to see the great work being done within the Birmingham area of Small Heath and surrounding areas. The BYSA is a voluntary grassroots football organisation that helps kids- no matter age, size, race, ability- in everything from sport to mentoring, providing a safe area to play sports but also taking them on educational classes and trips.
The BYSA played a documentary video on the night which showed their 15 year journey. It was an emotional and powerful watch, showcasing all the hard work put in by the volunteers who work over 10 hours a week to run the project. It showed the children playing competitive football, recreational football, being educated in classroom settings, talking with high class mentors and more.
Over the past several years the BYSA has depended on its sponsors and donations and having these charity dinners has made the project successful. Since 2002, they have gone from strength to strength and every year the BYSA puts on a great show for its guests. Through word of mouth and an active social media network, the BYSA has picked up more followers and supporters through the years.
The main part of the event was the auction for the charity to continue its hard work and keep pushing its volunteers to deliver their sessions. The thousands of pounds that were raised on the night will be used to fund many core projects for the boys and girls of the community.
The BYSA Chairman’s Award 2017 went to the Homeless Heroes project, which delivers food and shelter for the homeless in the city centre, and was picked up by Mr Javed Iqbal, chairman. This organisation offers many days and hours of their voluntary service in providing help and support for the community. Mr Majid Salim (BYSA chairman) and Mr Amer Awan (BYSA vice-chairman) attended the Homeless Heroes project along with other organisations.
The event was sponsored by Big Johns, Aman Prestige, John Pye & sons, NA consulting, Riverdale insurance, Kingsland business recovery, Awan International and long-time serving sponsor K Legal solicitors.
For parents, children or anyone else eager to find out how to join or volunteer you can get in touch on 07890 695 284 and follow the BYSA on social media.
