Companies

JD Sports teams up with BBC Children in Need

Nov 2, 2026 United Kingdom

The UK-based sportswear retailer has partnered with BBC Children in Need to tackle youth unemployment, offering a new online package of career support

As part of its 1 million British pounds partnership with BBC Children in Need, a UK charity that runs an annual appeal, JD Sports aims to tackle youth unemployment by strengthening youth services across the country. The partnership is expected to support 10,000 young people, with funding for 50 youth projects and around 90 youth workers.

The latest phase of the partnership sees JD Sports announce a new package of career support, including online work experience, employability workshops, and job interviews at JD (where vacancies allow). This package is designed to help young people develop work skills, build confidence, and take their first steps into employment.

The partnership comes amid concerns over youth unemployment and declining youth services, with 1,200 youth clubs closing since 2010 and 981,000 young people classed as NEET in June this year.

“Too many young people face barriers when taking their first steps into work, whether that’s a lack of experience, confidence or access to opportunities. As a major employer of young people, we believe we have an important role to play in helping to change that”, commented Paul Orange, People, Managing Director of JD EMEA.

He added: “By combining support for youth services with practical experience, skills development and greater exposure to the world of work, we want to help more young people see a pathway into work and take that next step towards a career”.

“We are incredibly proud to be partnering with JD Sports to support youth projects and youth workers in communities across the UK. Giving young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to sits at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership will help make that a reality for thousands more young people”, said Claire Hoyle, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need.

This announcement forms part of a new campaign by JD and BBC Children in Need, which highlights the important role played by youth clubs and youth workers in connecting with young people, building their confidence and sense of community, and helping them to find employment.

Image Credits: blog.jdsports.co.uk/jd-x-bbc-children-in-need

United Kingdom Campaign Employment JD Sports Partnerships Sportswear