REDDITCH Youth and Community Enterprises (RYCE), the charity which operates the Redi Centre, has agreed a new partnership with Redditch United in the Community (RUITC).
The move brings together the centre with the community arm of Redditch United Football Club and aims 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.
Redditch United’s recent social impact report highlighted the club generated £3.9million of social value to the town.
The much-loved Redi Centre, which serves 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.
Under the agreement, Redditch United chairman, David Faulkner, will become Chairman of the RYCE Board.
Lee Atkins, RUFC Community programme manager will also join the RYCE Board.
Mr Atkins will take day-to-day operational responsibility for the Redi Centre, ensuring close alignment with Redditch United’s community programmes.
Redditch United will bring additional resources, 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.
Mr Faulkner 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.”
