Paul Cadman on a weekend that showed Birmingham is on the rise, from the Birmingham Biosphere launch to the BYSA Players’ Awards.
Some weekends remind you what this city is capable of. This was one of them.
Saturday: the Birmingham Biosphere and a tribute to John Simpkin
Saturday began with a few hours of work — the usual discipline — before heading to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for the launch of the Birmingham Biosphere. The project, created and delivered by Chris Millward, is a powerful example of what deep knowledge, relentless energy and genuine passion can build for this city. Chris has shaped something with real purpose, and it was a privilege to be there in support.
The setting also mattered. Birmingham’s green spaces are the lungs of the city — places that support wellbeing, biodiversity and community life. Protecting and enhancing them is essential as the city grows.
Before the event, I spent time at the Bulldogs Veterans game, played in memory of John Simpkin, the founder of Bulldogs Rugby League Club. The turnout, the respect shown and the commitment on the pitch said everything about the culture he built. A fitting tribute to a man who shaped so many lives through sport. I am forever grateful for meeting him and for his support.
I was invited to speak about the Sports Quarter, the Birmingham City FC Foundation, and the scale of opportunity ahead of us: the jobs, the skills, the investment, and the multi-billion-pound commitment from Knighthead that is reshaping Birmingham’s future.
Sunday: the BYSA Players’ Awards
Sunday brought a different setting at the Birmingham Youth Sports Academy (BYSA) Players’ Awards, but the same sense of momentum. The room was full of players, parents, coaches, volunteers and supporters, joined by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Zaffar Iqbal, and the Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster. A moment that raised smiles was presenting the Commissioner with a limited-edition print of Birmingham’s most famous fictional gangster — Tommy Shelby. I also had the privilege of presenting the Lord Mayor with an award recognising his long public service. His journey — arriving in Birmingham unable to speak English and becoming the city’s First Citizen — reflects the resilience and opportunity this city offers.
We recognised Safaraz Ali MBE and Hazrat Islam MBE, both recently awarded MBEs for their service to the community. A standout moment followed as Anwar Khattak BEM QAVS BCAc received an Outstanding Award for twenty-five years of commitment. One of the original group who built BYSA from nothing, and a man who has shaped thousands of young lives. Awards across all our teams followed, representing hundreds of young players who give everything for their football and their community. As Chairman, my remarks focused on opportunity, growth and the pathways we are building for young people across Birmingham.
Two days. Two very different environments. One clear message: Birmingham is on the rise. A weekend full of ambition, community, service and people who care deeply about this city — a reminder of why Birmingham’s future looks brighter than ever.
Photos by Edwin Ladd.
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