At Our Community Foundation (OCF.), we often talk about the importance of opportunity meeting aspiration. Recently, we had a powerful reminder of what that looks like in practice when we met Tom Wagner, the co-founder & co-CEO Knighthead Capital Management and co-owner and Chair of Birmingham City Football Club.
It was a conversation rooted in ambition, long-term thinking and, most importantly, youth voice.
A Meaningful Conversation Through the OCF Podcast
As part of the visit, Tom joined us on the OCF podcast, where we had an open and honest conversation about community, regeneration, opportunity and the future of East Birmingham.
The podcast wasn’t about soundbites. It was about listening. Listening to the lived realities of young people growing up in Alum Rock, and discussing how large-scale developments can and must translate into real opportunities for local communities.
These conversations matter. They help bridge the gap between vision and reality, and they ensure that decisions made today genuinely benefit young people tomorrow.
Youth Voice in Action: Q&A With Our Apprentice Muhammad
One of the most powerful moments of the visit came during a Q&A session led by our young apprentice, Muhammad.
Muhammad asked thoughtful, confident and challenging questions about opportunity, access and long-term legacy. It was a proud moment – not just for him, but for what it represents.
At OCF, we believe young people shouldn’t just be in the room –
they should be confident enough to lead the conversation.
This is what investing in youth voice looks like in practice: building confidence, communication skills and leadership so young people can engage directly with decision-makers shaping their futures.
The Sport Quarter: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
The new Sports Quarter development represents a transformational opportunity for East Birmingham, creating 14,000 permanent jobs & over 16,000 construction jobs. This development has the potential to change lives and communities for generations.
But developments of this scale only succeed if local people are part of the journey from the start. Without intentional focus, opportunities can pass communities by. That’s why OCF’s role is so important.
OCF as a Youth Anchor Organisation
Our Community Foundation is proud to play a key anchor role in ensuring that youth voice is front and centre as East Birmingham evolves.
As a trusted, place-based organisation rooted in Alum Rock, our role is to:
- Champion young people’s voices in strategic conversations
- Connect local young people to training, employment and pathways
- Ensure opportunities created locally are accessible to local residents
- Support long-term community development, not short-term gains
This is about more than jobs. It’s about legacy, pride and ownership.
Developing Alum Rock and East Birmingham for the Long Term
Our ambition is clear:
young people from Alum Rock and East Birmingham must benefit directly from the growth happening around them.
That means preparing young people now – through mentoring, apprenticeships, skills development and leadership opportunities – so they are ready to step into the roles being created.
It also means shaping developments so they reflect the needs, identity and aspirations of the community they sit within.
OCF will continue to work with partners, developers and stakeholders to ensure this growth is inclusive, sustainable and community-led.
Looking Ahead
Meeting Tom Wagner was not just a moment – it was part of a wider journey.
As we look ahead, Our Community Foundation will continue to:
Amplify youth voice
Act as a bridge between opportunity and community
Ensure East Birmingham’s regeneration works for local people
The future of Alum Rock and East Birmingham is full of potential. Our role is to make sure young people are shaping it, leading it and benefiting from it – now and for generations to come.
Basharat Dad – Founder & CEO