Redditch Youth and Community Enterprises (RYCE), the charity that operates the Redi Centre on South Street, has agreed a new partnership with Redditch United in the Community (RUITC), the community arm of Redditch United Football Club. The move brings together two established community organisations to deliver a stronger and more modern youth offer for the town.
For 13 years, RYCE has run the Redi Centre as a hub for young people and community groups, offering space for learning, support and social activity. RUITC delivers sport-based education and personal development programmes across local schools and community settings, building confidence, improving wellbeing and helping young people into training and work.
Under the agreement, RUITC will take seats on the RYCE board and assume day-to-day operational responsibility for the Redi Centre. The partnership will expand the programmes available in 2026, with a focus on skills, education and accessible youth activity.
The Redi Centre, a much-loved facility serving young people, families, and local community groups, had been at risk of closure due to financial difficulties faced by RYCE. Under the new arrangement, RYCE will be brought under the wing of Redditch United. This partnership ensures the Centre remains open, sustainable, and at the heart of Redditch’s community life.
Redditch United’s recent social impact report highlighted that the club generates £3.9 million of social value to Redditch, demonstrating its positive influence in the town. By bringing the Redi Centre and RYCE under the club’s wing, both the facility and the organisation will benefit from the expertise of the football club’s staff, while ensuring that the Redi Centre moves toward being a commercially viable facility in the future.
Under the agreement, David Faulkner, Chairman of Redditch United, will become Chairman of the Board of RYCE. Lee Atkins, RUFC Community Programme Manager will also join the RYCE Board. Lee Atkins will take day-to-day operational responsibility for the Redi Centre, ensuring close alignment with Redditch United’s community programmes. RYCE will look to grow the Board of Directors over the coming months.
In line with this new structure, all current RYCE Board members will step down to allow a smooth transition and provide long-term stability for the Centre.
Redditch United will bring additional resources, operational stability, and long-term planning to the Redi Centre. This will allow the facility to continue serving the community, expand its programmes, and secure new funding opportunities that were previously unattainable.
However, the financial challenges of the Redi Centre remain. To ensure the Centre is commercially viable, it will need to increase its occupancy and usage. Local companies, organisations, and individuals who believe they can contribute are encouraged to come forward and support the Centre, helping secure a sustainable future for this vital community asset.
David Faulkner, Chairman of Redditch United Football Club, said:
“When I took over Redditch United in 2020, our aim was not just to be part of the town’s issues but to be responsible for solutions that move the club and the town forward. The opportunity to work more closely with the community, operate the Redi Centre, and secure this key asset was a primary motivation for this partnership. Bringing RYCE under the wing of the football club allows both organisations to benefit from our expertise and helps ensure the Redi Centre becomes a commercially viable facility while continuing to serve the people of Redditch.”
Outgoing Director Mike Rouse said:
“This agreement secures the future of the Redi Centre for the young people and community of Redditch. RUITC’s offer was the strongest and it protects all existing groups and bookings as we head into the New Year. RUITC are already delivering effective programmes across the town. Combining our strengths puts the Redi Centre on a firm footing for the future.”
A dedicated page will also be published on both organisations’ websites to provide ongoing updates, answer frequently asked questions, and outline opportunities for local support.
This partnership reflects a long-term commitment to ensuring the Redi Centre remains a thriving, community-led asset for Redditch. By working together, Redditch United and RYCE aim to deliver a sustainable future for the Centre while helping the town and football club grow alongside each other.
Local businesses, organisations, and individuals who can support the Redi Centre—whether through funding, partnerships, or increasing facility use—are encouraged to contact Redditch United or RYCE to explore opportunities to help this vital community asset thrive.
Please contact lee.atkins@redditchunited.co.uk for more information or queries.
