Air IT Group Joins The Big Goal 2026 to Support Youth Homelessness

What is The Big Goal?

The Big Goal is more than just a corporate football tournament, it’s a national campaign that uses the power of football to raise awareness and drive meaningful change for young people experiencing homelessness. Powered by the Street Soccer Foundation, the initiative brings UK businesses together to sponsor places on the Street Soccer Academy programme while competing in the country’s largest corporate five-a-side tournament.

Through corporate membership and engagement, The Big Goal funds free Academy programmes for young people aged 18–30 who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or not currently in education, employment or training. The campaign culminates in The Big Goal National Football Tournament, where companies compete for the title of National Champion, and the chance to represent England at the FIFCO Corporate World Cup.

At the heart of this initiative is the Street Soccer Academy, a 12-week personal development programme combining football coaching with mindset training, employability workshops and pastoral support. The programme has become one of the UK’s leading football-led projects tackling youth homelessness, helping participants build confidence, improve wellbeing and move into education, training or employment.

Air IT Group takes the pitch again

After proudly taking part last year, we’re excited to be going again in 2026 as a Gold Member of The Big Goal. Our Gold Membership means we are sponsoring a full Street Soccer Academy cohort, helping up to 10 young people access life-changing support and opportunities.

Being part of The Big Goal isn’t just about football for us. It’s about teamwork, community and creating real social impact. We’ll once again be entering 2 teams into the regional finals, bringing colleagues together from across the business to get involved in an incredible cause.

We’re proud to stand alongside other organisations using sport as a force for good and to continue supporting initiatives that provide real pathways for young people who need them most.

More than a game

The Big Goal continues to deliver measurable impact. In recent years, hundreds of young people have been supported through Street Soccer Academy programmes, gaining coaching, mentoring and practical skills that help them rebuild confidence and independence.

As a Gold Member, our involvement goes beyond tournament participation. It includes engagement opportunities with our sponsored Academy group, volunteering, mentoring and the chance to witness first-hand the difference the programme makes in young people’s lives.

Keith Mabbutt, Founder & CEO of the Street Soccer Foundation, sums up the mission perfectly:

Our social impact

At Air, making a difference is part of who we are. Supporting The Big Goal allows us to combine sport, teamwork and purpose while contributing to a future where more young people have the opportunities they deserve.

We’ll be sharing updates on our journey throughout the 2026 campaign, from tournament action to meeting the young people supported through our sponsorship.

Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up with our progress and cheer on the teams as we take on The Big Goal once again.