About Local Leagues

Local Leagues Office

Local Leagues is a not-for-profit organisation providing sustained sporting and recreational activities across the inner-city wards of Birmingham. These activities are aimed at young people and address the health benefits of exercise and wellbeing through sports and other related activities, hence creating a healthier and more cohesive community.
The activities take place at local public venues, ensuring local facilities are brought into use and best use of facilities ‘out-of-hours’ is also made. This ensures that these venues (such as school grounds) are not left unoccupied for long periods, thus increasing their security against antisocial behaviour.
Local Leagues provides these activities not only for healthier lifestyles, but also for healthier minds as sports is used as a social inclusion tool, instilling understanding and tolerance of other communities and cultures.
The Board of Directors comprises of 5 Directors and one notable Member, supported by a compliment of 19 members of staff and 2 seconded staff (Connexions, and Birmingham City Council Youth Services). These people bring to Local Leagues informed ideologies as most of them live within the wards served by Local Leagues and therefore have first-hand experiences of life in these areas. Most of the Directors also live and work within these areas, giving them wider insights into the needs of the community and thereby not trying to steer the organisation whilst being detached from the everyday real issues.

The Directors are:

• Andy Howell – Chairman of Local Leagues and the former deputy leader of Birmingham City Council; and a resident within an inner-city ward served by Local Leagues;
• Mazar Dad – Operational Director; Ladywood Environment Manager; senior member of the Balsall Heath Pickets; one of the founding officers of Local Leagues; and a resident within the area;
• Mohammed Shafique – Treasurer; Project Director, qualified accountant; resident of one of the wards;
• Phil Macdonald – Development Manager, Warwickshire County Cricket Club;
• Safdar Butt – Entrepreneur, local businessman with over 50 years of experience; and a local resident;
• Dennis Amiss – Company Member; former cricketer having played for both Warwickshire County Cricket Club and England until retiring in 1987.

The compliment of staff ensures a successful mix of qualifications that include FA Levels 1 and 2, Health & Safety, Child Protection, Top Play, UEFA B, Level 2 Rugby, ECB, Level 3 Basketball, Business Administration, ACCA etc. A number of staff have come through the many programmes previously offered by Local Leagues with two having been with Local Leagues since the very early days.
True to tradition, Local Leagues acknowledges that its successes can be attributed to the many funding strands that have allowed it to carry out its objectives. Without these funding streams, Local Leagues would not have the reach (and hence the success) that it has had in engaging with the young and the funds and support by both the funders and partner organisations have been invaluable to the success of Local Leagues.

Many councillors have been exceptionally supportive of Local Leagues over the past years. In particular, councillors representing Aston, Sparkbrook, and Springfield wards have been very supportive, having recognised Local Leagues’ work and have funded activities within these wards, ensuring a wide reaching impact.
We would like to extend our sincerest thanks Peter Mintoft – Sport Birmingham, and to the board members and staff of Enterprising Communities and all of those not mentioned herein.