Leadership and Volunteering

Leadership and Volunteering is a key part of our investment into children and young people. The funding contributes in two ways:

• It provides a workforce of young leaders and volunteers who can create opportunities for other young people to take part in sport
  
• If the role is fundamentally active – for example refereeing or some forms of coaching – then it can count towards our participation figures.

What is Step into Sport?

Step into Sport gives 11-19 year olds a range of co-ordinated local opportunities, helping them become leaders and volunteers in sport.

Its objective is to develop leadership through sport and leadership in sport. It aims to drive:

• Personal change in young people by supporting the development of inter-personal skills, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility
• Structural change through our work with key agencies to offer broader opportunities for young people to make a valued contribution to the delivery of sport.

The programme is managed by Sport England and Youth Sport Trust, with the support of Sports Leaders UK.

Find out more about Step into Sport.

What is Sport England's role?

We are working with 34 national governing bodies to increase the number of 5-19 year olds taking on leadership and volunteering roles. We also support the 49 county sports partnerships to create high quality community volunteering placements in a variety of roles and settings.

Between 2003-2004 and 2008-2009 the percentage of older youngsters taking on sports volunteering roles has increased from 9% to 22%.

How can I get involved?

Our PDF, Leadership and Volunteering Opportunities for Young People in Sport, summarises the roles and jobs available to young people in different sports.