Street League – a charity which aims to change lives through football – and sports retailer Decathlon have teamed up to help unemployed young people gain access to the workplace.

To mark the new partnership, Decathlon managing director, Steve Dykes was joined by Paul Evans, Street League director of operations, at Street League’s South-East London Academy where 15 young people were given work experience opportunities at Decathlon stores across the UK.

The launch also saw Decathlon donate more than £20,000 worth of sporting equipment which will be deployed across the 96 Street League academies nationwide.

In the first phase of the partnership six Decathlon stores will offer Street League participants the opportunity to gain retail work experience while staff will volunteer their time to mentor participants on the academy programme.

Speaking about the partnership, Steve Dykes said: “The job market is highly competitive and without academic qualifications or relevant experience it is very difficult for youngsters to get a foot on the employment ladder.

“This partnership will signpost youngsters with a passion for sport into our stores where they can learn skills which will make them more employable.”

Academy participant, Bianca Murray said: “I've really enjoyed the first two weeks of Street League which has included Maths, English and playing football. I'd be really interested in a job in retail and I am hoping that this course will also help me in my goal to teach Street Dance. I volunteer locally to teach already.”