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Breaking barriers for deaf sport

Growing up as the only deaf person in my family, sport became my escape from the loneliness and isolation I often felt at home and at school, because constantly second-guessing conversations and struggling to keep up takes a toll.

But sport gave me freedom and a way to let go of all that frustration.

It all started with swimming. In the water I found my own bubble of silence. No worrying about misheard words or asking people to repeat themselves – just me, the lane and a sense of independence.

That feeling is something every child should have, but for many deaf children the chance to experience it simply isn’t there.

A girl wearing a hearing device passes a ball with a coach on an indoors court under the supervision a woman holding a folder.

The reality we don’t talk about enough

Deafness is often called 'the forgotten disability' and it’s easy to see why.

According to data by the National Deaf Children’s Society there are more than 18 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, including 54,000 children, yet the challenges they face go far beyond communication.

Social isolation is common and that often leads to mental health struggles and inactivity.

The results of Sport England’s Active Lives Surveys painted a stark picture:

  • 51% of deaf adults are inactive, compared to 20% of non-disabled adults
  • 38% of inactive deaf adults don’t take part in sport at all, compared to 10% of inactive non-disabled adults
  • among less active children, 36% of deaf children do no activity at all, compared to 27% of non-disabled children.

These numbers support why tackling inequalities isn’t just a nice idea – it’s essential – and it’s exactly what Sport England’s strategy is all about.

There are more than 18 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, including 54,000 children, yet the challenges they face go far beyond communication.

Destination Deaflympics: turning inspiration into action

In 2025, we launched Destination Deaflympics, a programme for 8-16-year-olds inspired by the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics.

For us it’s all about giving young people the chance to try fun, inclusive activities and closing the gap between deaf children and their hearing peers.

So far we’ve reached 3,500 deaf and hard of hearing children across 175 settings and, along the way, we’ve learned a lot about the barriers they face, like the lack of accessible community provision or coaches who don't know how to deliver inclusive sessions.

That’s why we’re working with partners like the British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People to make sure deaf children get their recommended 60 minutes of activity every day.

This work has seen great success in the education sector with teachers sharing that by taking part in Destination Deaflympics, they are also seeing benefits in the classroom with students being more focused and ready to learn.

Role models who make a difference

The Deaflympics celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024 and the Tokyo Games was an event like no other.

The GB team brought home 12 medals, finishing 12th out of 80 nations, but its impact went way beyond the results.

These athletes are key role models who showed what’s possible and inspired the next generation of Deaf sport men and women.

Before the Games, one of our swimmers spent a day with deaf schoolchildren in Greater Manchester sparking excitement and ambition that will last a lifetime.

Why this matters for Sport England’s vision

Everything we’re doing supports Sport England's long-term strategy, Uniting the Movement. We're talking about things like:

  • tackling inequalities by addressing the participation gap in sport for deaf people
  • creating inclusive environments through coach education and community partnerships
  • improving mental wellbeing by using sport to combat isolation
  • building role models who inspire young people to dream big.

Sport should be for everyone and that’s why, by breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, we’re not just changing lives – we’re helping deliver Sport England’s vision of a fair, inclusive and active nation.

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UK Deaf Sport

Embedding mental health into the future of movement

It’s not very often that we stop and really reflect on how far we’ve come, but this Mental Health Awareness Week I'm inviting you to celebrate some recent and significant milestones in embedding mental health in sport and physical activity.

Over the last decade, the sector has been on an incredible journey to take positive action on mental health.

This kick-started with the launch of the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation in 2015 and since then we’ve seen some key milestones, such as:

It’s not very often that we stop and really reflect on how far we’ve come, but this week I’m inviting you to celebrate some recent and significant milestones in embedding mental health in sport and physical activity.

“So, Ben, are those the significant milestones you’re referring to?” I hear you ask, and of course they’re significant! But there’s still more to do to support people’s mental health through sport, physical activity and movement.

Back in 2017, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson's Duty of Care report contained clear recommendations including:

  • the introduction of the sector-standard mental health training for coaches and physical activity professionals
  • the need by national governing bodies (NGBs) to include mental health issues in the content of coaching and other sport-related courses, which filtered down to clubs.

Recently we’ve done just that and CIMSPA’s Coach and Swimming Teacher professional standards now include a section on mental health awareness with knowledge points on:

  • mental health definitions
  • professional boundaries
  • providing support to people with mental health problems
  • the importance of self-care.

Plus did you know the sport and physical activity sector now has a dedicated professional standard for working with people with mental health conditions?

This means NGBs and training providers can benchmark qualifications and training when delivering programmes specifically aimed at people with mental health problems.

Championing activity and wellbeing

This is hugely significant because, believe it or not, the sport and physical activity sector is leading the way!

And I'm not being biased as, out the 322 organisations surveyed in CIMSPA’s 2025 Workforce Development Tool, nearly half (48%) identified mental health awareness as a specialised skill they will need in the next 12–24 months.

Oh, and we haven’t stopped there!

We’ve also created licensed mental health content for NGBs and for the Sport England system partners to use in their training and qualifications for free!

Nowadays I’m working with NGBs to embed this content into their coach education pathways, with British Rowing leading the way.

Their head of qualifications and training development, Rachel Hooper, mentioned that our licensed content has been invaluable in ensuring they use modern and credible information to support coaches.

“Completed it, mate?”  Well, not quite because there’s still a long way to go to truly embed mental health across sport and physical activity.

Getting in touch

Too many people are battling with their mental health, often in silence, but we know physical activity can be a powerful tool for both preventing and managing mental health problems.

So, this Mental Health Awareness Week I’m inviting you to take action and to be part of the journey, because great mental health care isn’t just clinical; it’s human.

It’s the sports coach who asks, “is everything ok?” when you miss a session or the fitness instructor who checks how they can support you before your first exercise class, but mental wellbeing is also about building a supportive and friendly environment where people can move and thrive.

So if you’re unsure where to start, that's what we’re here for! Let’s talk, let’s start the conversation and let’s fight for mental health for the next 10 years and beyond.

You can reach us by email, online or follow us on LinkedIn. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Mind – Physical activity and mental health

Together in action

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is here and this year we’re focusing on taking action to protect and improve our mental health.

But to make a meaningful change we need other people, as actions taken with others have a bigger impact on our mental health and are more sustainable.

That’s why we’re delighted to be partnering with Sport England for a third year, continuing our shared commitment to championing movement, community and having fun as a powerful boost for mental wellbeing.

The link between movement and wellbeing

Our partnership with Sport England has helped us reach organisations and grassroots sports groups across England, bringing them into MHAW and shining a light on the vital role they play in supporting mental health.

As part of the campaign, local clubs, community groups and physical activity organisations have been able to showcase the work they do and how sport and movement helps people feel connected, supported and mentally well, as well as inspire people to take part and feel the benefits of being active. 

This year the theme of MHAW is ‘Action’ and we’re encouraging people to move in order to support good mental health for themselves, for someone else and for the community. 

Every person can do something about prioritising and managing their mental health – the key is moving from auto-pilot to recognising what is not working and to developing a plan accordingly. 

We’re delighted to be partnering with Sport England for a third year, continuing our shared commitment to championing movement, community and having fun as a powerful boost for mental wellbeing.

Ultimately, action can look different for everyone – for me, it is running. This is an activity that gets me in nature, helps me process emotions and to build my self-esteem.

For you, however, it might be reaching out to a friend, making time for a walk, joining a local activity, or creating spaces where people feel welcome, included and able to talk about how they’re really feeling.

Through our partnership with Sport England, we highlight how participating in physical activity, particularly with others, can be a powerful and practical action that people can take for their mental wellbeing and not just during MHAW, but all year round.

Connecting through physical activity 

Local sports clubs, physical activity providers and community organisations are often trusted spaces, rooted in relationships and shared experiences.

That also makes them uniquely placed to notice when someone is struggling, able to offer connection and help by providing opportunities for people to build routine, confidence and a sense of belonging.

We know that many people face barriers to being active.

These could be related to cost, disability, long-term health conditions, caring responsibilities or even experiences of exclusion and stigma.

But Sport England and its partner organisations are committed to inclusion and supporting people to overcome any challenges they face. 

This could be by offering flexible, free or inexpensive sessions, non-competitive options, welcoming environments and a focus on enjoyment rather than performance.

When movement is framed as something supportive and human, rather than something to be achieved or perfected, more people can take part and benefit.

The evidence is clear that being physically active can support mental health, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and to improve mood and sleep.

But what we hear from communities again and again is that it’s the combination of movement and connection that really matters.

Showing up together, being greeted by name, or sharing progress or challenges are small gestures that can turn into powerful remedies against loneliness and isolation.

MHAW is also an opportunity for organisations to take action internally.

Coaches, volunteers and session leaders often play an informal but important role in people’s lives, so supporting them with training, resources and confidence to have conversations about mental health can help build safer and more compassionate spaces.

But encouraging rest, balance and wellbeing within organisations is just as important as supporting participants.

Supporting long-term positive change

This year, we’re asking people to think about how action can be sustained beyond a single week.

Taking action for our mental health isn’t about doing everything at once – it’s about making realistic changes that fit into everyday life.

That might mean protecting time to move regularly, checking in on someone who hasn’t been around for a while, or advocating for inclusive opportunities in your local area, because small actions taken consistently, can create meaningful change.

As we celebrate MHAW, we’re inviting sports and physical activity organisations to get involved, share what they’re doing and be proud of the role they play.

By amplifying these stories, we can the help more people see that support for mental health exists in many different places, including those they already trust and enjoy.

For individuals there’s no expectation to push harder or do more, because taking action might simply mean doing something gentle, sociable or familiar, so choose whatever helps you feel a little steadier, calmer or more connected.

Looking ahead, we’re proud of what this partnership with Sport England has achieved so far, and we’re motivated by what’s still possible.

Mental health challenges remain widespread and many people continue to navigate pressure, uncertainty and inequality.

By working across sectors and communities, we can help ensure that action on mental health is practical, inclusive and rooted in everyday life.

Together, we’ll continue to champion movement as one of many actions that can help protect and improve mental health, because when we move together, support one another and take action collectively, we can build healthier and more connected communities for all.

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Why listening to young people is key

Today is National Children’s Day UK – a moment to celebrate childhood, recognise children’s rights and promote the wellbeing of children and young people.

For me, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the strong alignment between National Children’s Day UK and the work we do at Sport England.

We know that regular participation in sport and physical activity can have a profound impact on children and young people, supporting both physical health and mental wellbeing, and that it helps to build confidence, connection and belonging.

Our latest Active Lives Children and Young People survey shows that we continue to see a positive association between activity levels and mental wellbeing.

Scores in this area are higher for those who are active as when answering the question ‘How happy did you feel yesterday?' out of 10, young people aged between seven and 16 who were ‘Active’ scored 7.1, while those who were ‘Fairly active’ scored 6.9 and those ‘Less active’ scored 6.7.

Sport England is a partner within the Children’s Coaching Collaborative (CCC), an alliance focused on championing children’s rights in sport and physical activity – particularly the rights to be heard, to play and to develop.

Listening to young people and acting on what they tell us is central to creating experiences that are positive, inclusive and shaped around their needs.

The Youth Advisory Group in action

The CCC's Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is made up of 14 young people aged 13–19, with a range of lived experiences.

Their role is to ensure their peers are meaningfully involved in decision-making and influencing coaching practice to be fairer, more inclusive and genuinely youth‑led.

During the Easter break, I had the privilege of joining 10 members of the YAG for two days in Manchester for an event that was expertly coordinated by StreetGames.

Despite early starts and long journeys, the group brought energy, honesty and passion to each session.

Their role as advisors truly came to life as they shared their experiences of being coached. Some were also able to reflect from another perspective – as young people who, themselves, coach others.

Reflecting on experiences of sport and physical activity

Across the two days we created space for the young people to reflect on their activity journeys – looking back to their younger years and thinking about how their experiences had shaped the way they feel about sport and physical activity today.

Listening to young people and acting on what they tell us is central to creating experiences that are positive, inclusive and shaped around their needs.

Through individual and group activities they shared moments of positive experiences, as well as times when sport had felt uncomfortable, pressurised or exclusionary.

These reflections helped surface what really matters to young people when it comes to coaches, environments and feeling safe, valued and included.

This blog is built directly on their voices and lived experiences.

What young people want from coaches

From a young person’s perspective, coaches play a powerful role in shaping how sport and physical activity feels – for better or worse.

Young people told us they want coaches who:

  • genuinely enjoy what they do
  • are passionate, fun and supportive
  • care about young people as individuals.

The coaches who have the most positive impact are those who build respectful, trusting relationships, set clear boundaries and actively listen to feedback from children and young people.

When coaches encourage young people to try new things and gently push them outside their comfort zones, sport and physical activity can help to build confidence and self‑esteem, especially when challenge is balanced with praise.

Young people also shared how good it feels to:

  • improve at something they enjoy
  • feel proud of their progress
  • feel fitter, healthier and more confident
  • be inspired to believe in their dreams and future potential.

However, they were equally clear about what can take the joy out of sport.

When coaches place too much pressure on performance, it can quickly undermine confidence and motivation.

High‑pressure environments affect young people differently and, for some, this can lead to stress, disengagement or dropping out altogether.

The feeling of being left out or forgotten can be especially damaging – for example, being the only girl in a mixed session.

Many young people already worry about being judged or excluded; what they want most is to feel that they belong, can socialise and feel accepted.

Ultimately, young people told us they want low‑pressure, welcoming and non‑judgmental environments where they feel supported, encouraged and free to learn.

Being part of a child‑first coaching community

We heard clearly from the YAG that they want coaches who believe in them, understand that fun and enjoyment matter, and recognise that positive experiences are key to developing a lifelong love of physical activity.

The YAG will continue to shape support for the sector, helping to ensure more children and young people can access opportunities that reflect their needs and experiences. 

Coaches play a hugely influential role in children and young people’s lives.

If you’re a coach, or work with those who coach children, you can get involved by joining the Play Their Way community bringing together people who are committed to child‑first, inclusive coaching and creating positive experiences for every child.

And if you have some time, the CCC is launching a series of peer-learning webinars, which I can't recommend enough. They are free to access and are open to anyone working in the sports and coaching sector who is motivated to make changes to embed youth voice in their organisation.

The first session will take place on 30 June, and it will be presented by the head of youth leadership at Youth Sport Trust, Steph Matthews, who will share practical insights, learnings and successes from embedding youth voice across their organisation.

Find out more

Preventing crime from the ring

Boxing is my religion. Like all spiritual journeys it began with a moment of divine inspiration and my baptism was conducted whilst watching Muhammed Ali defeat George Foreman in “The Rumble In The Jungle”.

I grew up in boxing gyms with the sport giving me purpose, discipline and titles – including representing my country on numerous occasions.

These days it offers me the chance to inspire the next generation of boxers and to help anyone who walks through the gym door, to believe in themselves and choose a positive path in life. 

When people ask me why boxing matters so much to me, my answer is simple: it changes and saves lives.

A safe space for all

Of course, it also improves health and builds confidence, but boxing keeps people – especially young people – away from anti-social behaviour and crime, something that I can personally verify as a former Youth Justice Manager. 

With the number of proven offences committed by children seeing an increase of 4%, change has never been so important and there are many ways boxing helps fight crime.

Firstly, boxing gives young people structure and boundaries.

Many of the children and young people who walk through the doors of a boxing gym – like mine in Oldham, Greater Manchester – come from difficult backgrounds and have challenging lives. 

Having little or no access to opportunities and therefore a lack of agency in the world, may result in challenging behaviours. But not dealing with these pressures means they risk spilling out onto the streets and that’s where crime starts. 

Not because young people are 'bad', but because they have nowhere positive to pour their energy into. But boxing gyms can change that, as these spaces are built on discipline, respect, routine and team spirit.

Boxing gyms offer me the chance to inspire the next generation of boxers and anyone who walks through the gym door, to believe in themselves and choose a positive path in life.

You don’t just turn up to your gym whenever you feel like it. Instead, you’re expected to train on time, plus you have to listen to your coach, and you learn that effort leads to results and that shortcuts rarely work.

These lessons transfer directly into everyday life and children who understand discipline in a boxing gym are far less likely to make reckless decisions outside it.

Boxing also teaches emotional control, becasue contrary to what some may think, this sport helps a young person understand how to control their emotions, particularly aggression, and how to think and act under pressure.

I’ve seen it first hand – children who once lashed out can calm themselves because boxing gave them an outlet for their emotions and that allows them to thrive.

The many lessons of boxing

Boxing is a good metaphor for life and can help to develop those personal and social skills that people need, contributing to tackling deep seated worklessness and low aspirations.

The sport also fosters the development of positive character, self-esteem, self-discipline, courage, perseverance and resilience.

Instead of throwing punches on the street, they hit the pads, the bags and their coach or opponent inside the ring, but always with respect to the sport’s rules, under supervision and with a reason.

Boxing also teaches respect — for yourself and for others. You shake hands, you follow rules and you learn that real strength comes from self-control, not intimidation. These values reduce crime at its roots.

Another factor that's key is the sense of belonging among those practising the sport. A boxing gym offers identity and loyalty because, at a gym, you’re part of a team.

You train together, look out for each other and you wear the gym name with pride. That sense of identity can pull someone away from a path that leads to anti-social behaviour and crime.

I’ve seen boxing change lives in Oldham and Greater Manchester, where young people that were heading toward trouble now have focus and a reason to stay on the straight and narrow, and I’ve also seen young people who had no confidence, find self-belief.

Not all these children will become a champion boxer and that's okay.

Building better lives through sport

The real victories happen when a young person chooses to stay in school, can find a job or simply chooses not to commit a crime because they don’t want to let their gym or coach down.

At our newly refurbished Greater Manchester Boxing and Development Hub, we’ve been lucky enough to benefit from Sport England funding. 

To my mind, our investors aren’t just putting money into a boxing club and community gym. They’re investing in crime prevention and harm minimisation.

It costs less to fund a gym than it does to deal with the consequences of crime and anti-social behaviour – policing, court cases, prison and reform – as recent estimates place the total economic and social cost of serious youth violence at £11 billion between 2009 and 2020.

For me, boxing is more than titles and trophies, it’s about giving people a chance.

Every time a young person chooses to walk into a gym and away from 'the road', I believe that’s crime prevention in action and that’s why boxing will always matter. 

As one of the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, Oldham forms part of Sport England’s Place Partnership with Greater Manchester Moving and other local bodies to implement Sport England's Uniting the Movement strategy for getting people active.

I’m proud of what boxing can do to change lives.

In the words of the iconic social activist, pacifist and politician, Nelson Mandela: “Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair.”

Every day, I get to see the truth in these great words in action.
 

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Opening the river

At Fulham Reach Boat Club (FRBC), we believe rivers should belong to everyone and this year we took an exciting step forward with the launch of our new accessible rowing programme on the Thames.

What began as a small pilot called Row the Rhythm for blind and visually impaired participants and supported by Love Rowing funding, has quickly grown into a powerful learning journey for our coaches, volunteers, partners and those travelling from across London to try rowing, many of them for the first time.

This is the story of how we’re opening up rowing, what we’ve learned along the way and where we hope to go next – a journey that starts before reaching the water, because one of the most meaningful parts of the programme wasn’t actually on the river, it was the journey from Hammersmith Station.

A blind girl and a blind man touch a boat during a rowing training session in the street.

We chose to meet participants at the station to guide them safely to our Boathouse, but it became far more than a practical step.

That short journey created space for honest conversation about the barriers disabled people face, about how few accessible sporting opportunities exist and about the courage it takes to try something new when the world isn’t designed with you in mind.

These walks helped build trust before a single stroke was taken and set the tone for the kind of programme we wanted to deliver – human, patient and centred on the individual.

Slowing down to go far

Rowing coaches are used to getting people onto the water quickly, but accessible rowing requires a different pace, which brought in our biggest challenge: slowing everyone down.

For safety and confidence, the first session had to take place entirely on land.

What began as a small pilot for blind and visually impaired participants has quickly grown into a powerful learning journey for our coaches, volunteers, partners and the people who travelled from across London to try rowing, many of them for the first time.

Participants learned about the layout of the site, boat handling, water safety and how rowing feels and works before ever stepping into a boat.

At first, some were disappointed not to get onto the Thames straight away, but by session two or three  the benefits were clear as starting slowly meant that once on the water, participants felt calm, informed and ready.

Their progress was extraordinary!

A growing community of rowers with complex needs

What surprised us the most was how working in this space naturally attracted more people with complex and varied needs, far beyond our original plans.

People travelled long distances across London, and in some cases far beyond, simply because accessible rowing doesn’t exist elsewhere. That willingness to travel underlined the scale of unmet demand.

Our local partners at Action on Disability and sight loss charity, VICTA helped us understand the huge range of disabilities and access needs in our community.

That is why we chose to start by focusing on just one area of need – visual impairment and blindness – building specialist expertise before widening out.

And the appetite is growing.

What we learned: coach the person

Across the programme, one principle kept resurfacing: empathy and understanding go a long way. See beyond the disability. Coach for the individual, not for the sport.

We learned to ask different questions, to describe space differently, to adjust our language, to use one voice in busy environments and to understand what independence looks like for each person.

We also learned that accessible rowing isn’t just about equipment – it’s about culture, about slowing down, about listening and about co-creating the experience.

Building a sustainable accessible rowing pathway

We’re proud of what Row the Rhythm achieved, but this is only the beginning.

Our long-term goal is to build a permanent, specialist accessible pathway at FRBC and to fully integrate disabled rowers into our wider club community.

To make this sustainable we're:

  • recruiting a disability advisory group to inform our programmes
  • improving the accessibility of our site, including new crew room layouts and an accessible ramp to the foreshore
  • co-creating future sessions with participants, ensuring their voices shape the programme
  • working with VICTA, Love Rowing, Action on Disability and other local partners to reach people who've never had the chance to try rowing
  • raising funds to support free-to-access programmes as well as offering self-funded opportunities.

Our vision is a sport where disabled people can learn, progress and row independently and where adaptive rowing blends seamlessly into our mainstream offer.

Looking ahead

This first year has shown us two powerful truths: there is a huge untapped demand for accessible rowing and that when you remove barriers, people thrive.

Participants told us the experience was “life-changing”, “freeing” and something they've never thought that they'd be able to do.

And for us, the learning has been just as transformative and rewarding.

We now know that accessible rowing is not a niche add-on – it is essential to creating a sport that truly belongs to everyone.

The river has room for all of us and at Fulham Reach Boat Club, we’re committed to making sure everyone who wants to row can find their place on the water.

Find out more

Making physical activity fun for all

At Get Doncaster Moving (GDM) we have a mission: to support the youngest in our society and their families to be as active as possible, because the benefits of moving are something that will accompany them for the rest of their lives.

It is with that mission in mind that across Doncaster, partners within our network are working together to create the conditions to help children, young people and their families build healthier, more active lives.

Through a place-based approach, the network is enabling innovative programmes, unlocking new partnerships and supporting communities to develop sustainable activity habits.

This is something we’ve undertaken as a long-term mission.

A group of poeple pose around a Pokemon ball that's been painted on park's floor.

 

Thinking outside the pitch

Reflecting on the past year, there are some stand out examples of how innovative partnerships have been the key driver behind GDM’s work to support children and young people – and their families – to move more.

Firstly, we’ve been developing new outdoor experiences to help children and families connect with local parks in different ways.

For example, GDM’s partnership with Enigma.Rooms introduced interactive digital trail games in parks across the city that engaged new and younger audiences through fun problem-solving and exploration.

The initiative was a success and contributed to Hexthorpe Park receiving the national ‘Green Space Innovation Award’ in 2025.

Then in November, and thanks to the efforts of the local Pokémon community, Doncaster was selected to host a Pokémon GO: Community Celebration event (the first place in Europe be chosen!), attracting thousands of local players and visitors.

The trails across two major parks showcased Doncaster’s green spaces while promoting movement through play.

Through a place-based approach, the network is enabling innovative programmes, unlocking new partnerships and supporting communities to develop sustainable activity habits.

GDM is continuing its work with local Pokémon Go group ‘Raiding Doncaster and beyond’ to grow this welcoming, inter-generational walking and gaming community, and encouraging new players to engage in this family-friendly activity, and to move more – particularly within Doncaster’s parks and green spaces.  

Trying something new

In sport, the ‘Free Park Tennis’ initiative started a couple of years ago in a local park to expand opportunities for children and families.

Resident volunteers have been trained as Free Park Tennis Activators to deliver free, weekly sessions to the community in two Doncaster parks, which led to one park being awarded ‘Park Venue of the Year’ by Yorkshire Tennis.

Our most recent park venue to host Free Park Tennis sessions, Haslam Park, which started in May this year, has already seen 369 attendances, with four local volunteers upskilled to deliver the weekly sessions.

This has been a fantastic opportunity for people to come along and 'have a go' at tennis in a relaxed and social setting, and it has been very popular with both children and families.

Doncaster’s place-based model played a key role in connecting partners and enabling the Active Start initiative, a programme designed for staff working with children aged 2–5.

Active Start is led by Yorkshire Sport Foundation, working in partnership with, and funded by, the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board's Children and Young People’s Alliance. Their latest Impact Report: Giving children an Active Start is full of learnings and data.

This information is key to the training and resources they provide to early years professionals to help embed movement and active play throughout everyday learning.

This approach not only supports physical development but also communication efforts, social skills and school readiness, giving children the strongest start in life.

Doncaster’s Public Health and Early Years teams have trained as tutors, offering one-on-one support, continuing professional development opportunities and resources to nurseries, schools, childminders and all 12 family hubs, which are places for families to go within their communities to access groups and support.

Many settings have already taken part in centralised training and are now better equipped to encourage movement in class and at home.

But this is not all, because work will continue into the 2025/26 academic year as the programme develops further across South Yorkshire.          

Looking ahead, shifting the dial on children’s engagement in activity will require continued place-based collaboration.

Sustained shared learning, creativity and innovation – alongside a connected, empowered GDM network – will help Doncaster’s young people to move more, play more and thrive.

Find out more and connect with us

One dance step at a time

Silent Steppers is a joyful blend of walking, dancing and mindset coaching, all delivered outdoors through silent-disco headsets.

Picture a mixed group of around 50 people moving along seaside promenades, parks and coastal walkways – everyone listening to the same uplifting music while receiving real-time encouragement, positivity and coaching through their headphones.

It’s energetic, inclusive and completely different to traditional indoor exercise. And so much fun, too!

A group of Silent Steppers pose by the sea after one of their exercise sessions.

What began as a personal healing tool has evolved into a community movement that people across the UK now travel to to experience.

Often taking 10,000 steps in an hour or simply letting the music lift their mood, us Steppers leave the session feeling lighter, stronger and more connected to ourselves, and to each other.

How it all began

Silent Steppers actually started during one of the hardest chapters of my life. After suffering a trauma, I found myself walking outdoors to clear my mind.

On these walks, I’d listen to music and quickly realised how the world softened inside that musical bubble.

The lyrics felt more meaningful, my thoughts slowed down and, for a short time, I could switch off from everything I was carrying on my shoulders.
 

Picture a mixed group of around 50 people moving along seaside promenades, parks and coastal walkways – everyone listening to the same uplifting music while receiving real-time encouragement, positivity and coaching through their headphones.

With a background as a qualified dance teacher, senior mental health lead and life coach among others, and with over 25 years teaching trauma-informed approaches, I invited a few colleagues to join me for a music-assisted walk.

I chose songs that helped me heal, put on the headset mic and coached them through the session.

The effect was instant. The energy was electric. Silent Steppers was born! 

A community that keeps growing

Fast forward under a year and Silent Steppers now has hundreds of participants every week that include children, right through to our oldest Stepper aged 83.

We train in all weather – rain, wind, sun and/or coastal gales – and the tougher the conditions, the more bonded the group becomes.

Alongside our main sessions, we now run Steady Steppers, a slower-paced, mobility-friendly version designed for those with disabilities, injuries, chronic conditions or lower fitness levels.

These sessions offer the same music, the same mindset coaching and the same sense of achievement, just at a pace that feels safe and accessible for everyone involved.

The physical and mental impact across both groups has been extraordinary and participants have reported improvements of different kinds like weight loss, better fitness levels, plus better balance, coordination and confidence.

Others have mentioned being able to return to exercise after cancer treatment or joint replacements, a reduced reliance on mental health medication (always under GP guidance), stronger mobility and the ability to jog for the first time in years, and, overall, significant improvements in mood, stress levels and wellbeing.

And if all of that wasn’t enough, overwhelmingly, people describe Silent Steppers as their escape – an hour where they can lose themselves, breathe differently and feel part of something special.

The outdoors connection

Taking Silent Steppers into outdoor public spaces has created something truly magical.

We dance-walk along promenades, move through parks, train beside the sea and often stop people in their tracks who just smile when they see us.

Week after week, members of the public pause to watch us, cheer us on, take photos or even start dancing as we pass. People tell us we’ve made their day, how amazing we look or how we lift their mood. 

Many now recognise us and come back each week just to see us in action because our group's energy is infectious.

These interactions have become part of the heartbeat of Silent Steppers, and proof that movement and joy ripple far beyond the people wearing the headsets.

Challenges and what we’ve learned

I must admit, however, that with popularity comes challenges.

We only have 60 headsets, which means waiting lists of 25+ people are becoming common.

I’m also frequently asked to run sessions across the UK – and even internationally – but with existing commitments, it simply isn’t possible.

However, I’ve now excitedly trademarked licensing training that'll launch in the new year, which will create opportunities for Silent Steppers leaders in towns and cities nationwide.

There are other key lessons we’ve also learned:

  • When exercise is fun, people stick to it – many of our steppers are a year in and saying it’s the only thing they’ve ever stuck too.
  • Authenticity matters, as people connect with honesty and real stories.
  • Listening to the community and adapting accordingly is essential.
  • Music profoundly changes the movement experience.
  • Mindset coaching and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques amplify the emotional impact.

The future of Silent Steppers

The combination of music, scenery, encouragement and community creates an empowering, accessible and inclusive atmosphere that translates into a wellbeing experience unlike any other.

It fills me with pride that what started as a personal coping mechanism has now grown into a nationwide wellbeing model, supporting hundreds every week.

I also love that Silent Steppers is reshaping how people view exercise, mental health and community connection.

Silent Steppers is proving that exercise can be enjoyable at any age and ability. One dance step at a time.

Find out more

Wellness Lifestyle and Learning Academy

My day, my rights

Two years ago I shared my first blog for World Children’s Day to raise awareness of children’s rights.

Whilst progress has been made in our sector, the words of a member of a newly formed Youth Advisory Group (YAG) on behalf of the Children’s Coaching Collaborative (CCC), proves there is still work to do.

He said that children’s rights are something that he heard about in primary school, but that he now only finds “in random news articles". This young man is now 16!

However, ensuring that young people have positive experiences of being active that are safe and fun, and that also respect their rights, is one of the areas we at Sport England, and a number of partners across the sector, have been advocating for in the past few years.

And there’s an article about children’s rights in sport by Liz Twyford, from UNICEF UK, that I think is key because it highlights the subtle but important change that means putting the child first to make a difference, and the impact that coaches have on those they work with.

Supporting young people to Play Their Way

Play Their Way exists precisely to champion children’s rights in sport and physical activity.

The campaign was launched in 2023 with the idea of taking a child-first approach to coaching, to ensure that their rights, needs and enjoyment are always prioritised, so they can have a positive experience of being active.

The campaign has been gaining supporters non-stop and in September this year we celebrated reaching a milestone of 10,000 registered members.
 

Ensuring that young people have positive experiences of being active that are safe and fun, and that also respect their rights, is one of the areas we at Sport England, and a number of partners across the sector, have been advocating for in the past few years.

In a recent blog by our head of children and young people, a survey was shared to understand the range of youth voice and resources used across the sector.

Thanks to those who contributed, it has confirmed that listening to children and young people is an established priority with many brilliant examples.

However, for some, more support is needed to ensure a meaningful and sustainable youth voice practice to ensure children and young people feel included and supported to shape decisions affecting them through ongoing opportunities.   

Welcoming the Youth Advisory Group

To keep engaging and embedding the voice of young people in a meaningful way into the work of the CCC, earlier this year young people were invited to apply to join a YAG for our sector.

The initiative was led by Streetgames and saw 12 young people aged 14-19 with a range of experiences and backgrounds being 'recruited'.

Over the summer they spent time getting to know each other and understanding the role they would play as part of the group.

Within their applications, they were asked why they felt young people participating in shaping sport and physical activity opportunities was so important.

I was impressed by their thoughtful, positive and passionate responses that took into consideration not just themselves, but their peers too.

Some comments that I found particularly insightful mentioned that hearing what young people had to say is important as it “ultimately allows more young people to be able to access sport” (Poppy, 18).

That being listened to, allowed young people to have “a sense of empowerment” that made them see they’re “in control of the future” (Tasnuva, 16).

And, ultimately, that speaking out allows them to shape their own opportunities by
“influencing the accessibility and culture of sport for years to come” (Isobel, 18).

The group will be encouraged to share their experiences, views and opinions on coaching to inform the ongoing work of the CCC and will receive support to develop their own understanding of their rights. 

There are also other organisations with great initiatives to put children and young people’s views first in the sector.

For instance, the Positive Experiences Collective are hosting a range of resources and support connections to inspire advocacy for physical literacy, to help children and young people develop a positive and meaningful relationship with being active.

And the Centre for Youth Voice recently relaunched to continue to amplify the voices of young people and their impact. I recommend you check out their free online training and events on their website.

The future is young

Next month we’ll be releasing the Active Lives Children and Young People survey, covering the 2024-25 academic year.

This time we’ve introduced a new question to help us understand to what extent young people are heard by the adults delivering activity to them, which will provide a baseline to shape our work moving forwards.

This has only been a snapshot of the work we know is happening within the sector for children and young people, but we will continue to raise awareness of their rights.

For now we can all do this by listening to their voices and working with them to design and provide more opportunities to support all children and young people to be active, so they can enjoy it and gain the benefits that movement can bring into their lives both now, and as they grow into adults.
 

Find out more

In the picture

The concentrated focus of Black History Month provides an opportunity to gain new perspectives through events, articles and media programming that might otherwise be overlooked.

At its best, this month should stir our curiosity and resolve as we look back at the achievements and struggles of Black people, helping us gain a fuller understanding of Black histories to strengthen our grasp of the present.

This celebration (and the round-the-clock efforts by many through the year) should move us to action, reminding us that we don't have to accept the erasure of some people and communities as normal.

A group of dancers hold fans as part of their routine during a session on an indoors gym.

One of the best ways we can use this month is to harness new understandings to permanently build more inclusive platforms for Black achievement and wellbeing, so if you’ve missed our series of articles this month, please do look back.

These guest blogs are all great stories that highlight examples of community leadership that push back against the status quo of erasure.

It’s vital that we recognise and celebrate this work, which truly models more local and equitable practice, shaped by communities themselves.

But what about the models in the digital world?

Black History Month should move us to action, reminding us that we don't have to accept the erasure of some people and communities as normal.

As the usage of virtual spaces increases in all areas of our lives (including work, leisure or physical activity), it’s important to push for equity online too.

But with the backdrop of ongoing online abuse and discrimination, which inhibit participation in sport and physical activity, we’re rightly focused on the importance of creating safe virtual spaces too.

However, safety is only one side of the equation because we’ve also been asking ourselves how we can use technology to improve representation.

An example of this is We Like the Way You Move, the latest phase of our award-winning campaign, This Girl Can.

Technology for good

This phase has included a push for greater visibility of Black women – as well as other underrepresented groups of women – in imagery that promotes participation by sport and physical activity organisations.

This is how it’s worked: with the help of AI, we analysed publicly-available photos that came from parks, gyms, sports clubs, community centres, swimming pools and other leisure facilities across England and sourced via Google Maps, and confirmed that – alongside other minoritised groups of women – those who look like me have been virtually erased.

I’m excited that we’ve found a way to use the power of AI to drive better representation in our sector, because at a point when we’re all figuring out how to be more purposeful in how we use technology, finding insights that we can act on in real-time to contribute to change feels like a tangible win.

This push for greater visibility marks a positive shift that has come with our strategy’s focus on tackling inequalities as we’re working on reshaping our existing efforts to collaborate with different audiences and leaders through initiatives like TRARIIS.

Having celebrated the 10th anniversary of This Girl Can earlier this year, We Like the Way You Move has also used some powerful new imagery of women who have conventionally been excluded from the picture of sport and physical activity.

These are pictures full of joy and love for movement and, at times, I’d say you can almost hear the music they’re moving to.

These images are also a great reminder that women are creating their own platforms in communities, leading change and putting their unique stamp on activities and spaces.

We hope that they will help shift mindsets and that other organisations will follow suit.

On a personal note, it’s wonderful to see references to Caribbean culture, dance and movement in the mix.

It really does make a difference to my motivation and sense of belonging when I can see parts of my identity reflected back to me.

And I’m confident that the breadth of images and ways of moving captured in the campaign will have a similar impact on lots of other women that should have always been in the picture.

Find out more

Leading with our hearts and minds

Today, on World Mental Health Day, I find myself reflecting not just as the new Head of the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), but as a parent, a colleague and a lifelong advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

Mental health is not a standalone issue. It's woven into the fabric of everything we do – how we parent, how we coach, how we educate and how we safeguard.

And in my new role at CPSU, I’m committed to making sure children’s wellbeing, their mental health and voices are instrumental in our work.

One of the most impactful ways we can help with mental health is through sport and physical activity as their benefits are well-documented and include movement boosting our mood, building resilience and fostering connection.

But sport and physical activity also offer something deeply human – it gives children a sense of belonging, a place to express themselves and a safe space to grow.

The power of communication

Whether it’s a kickabout in the park or through more structured team-training, movement can be a lifeline for young people – helping them navigate the complexities of growing up and it can also help them to cope with the world’s pressures.

But the act of playing sport or being physically active alone isn’t enough.

This week we are also celebrating Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week, and we think that sport and physical activity are key in highlighting that parents and carers play a crucial role in safeguarding their mental wellbeing.

This safeguarding starts with a conversation, because when we talk openly with our children about emotions, stress and support, we create a culture of trust and a safety net.

These conversations don’t have to be perfect – they just have to be real and, as parents, we have to listen.
 

Whether it’s a kickabout in the park or through more structured team-training, movement can be a lifeline for young people – helping them navigate the complexities of growing up and it can also help them to cope with the world’s pressures.

When children feel safe to open up, we strengthen the parent-child bond, we build relationships rooted in empathy and understanding and, in doing so, we lay the foundation for lifelong mental wellness.

So today I encourage every parent, coach and caregiver to take a moment and ask your child how they’re feeling, what support means to them, and what actions we can do as parents and carers to help them.

We also think that as well as listening, it’s important that you share your own experiences too and that you let them know they’re not alone.

At the CPSU we have new videos and conversations starters for parents, plus resources for sports organisations to help promote a culture of listening within their organisations.

Because safeguarding isn’t just about protection – it’s about connection.

Together, let’s make mental health a part of keeping our children safe. Not just today, but every day.
 

Find out more

World Mental Health Day

Why parents and carers matter

Safe and positive experiences for children and young people are one of the five big issues at the heart of Sport England’s long-term strategy, Uniting the Movement.

Sport England has supported the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit since 2001 and continues to invest in keeping sport safe for children.

Early experiences with sport have the power to make or break a person’s lifelong relationship with physical activity, which can affect physical, mental and social health at every stage of their life: from childhood; to teenage years; to adulthood.  

Simply put, a negative experience could turn a child away from sport, causing them to disengage and miss out on the extraordinary benefits of an active life – from being able to concentrate better at school; to having fun with their friends; to reduced anxiety; to the sheer joy of moving.

Our social value research found that active children and young people generate a wellbeing value (the monetary value that can be placed on happiness, health and life satisfaction) of £4,100 a year (for an active adult, it’s £2,500).

This shows that active children gain more from movement than active adults.

It’s also so important for their development and happiness, and with childhood obesity rising and less than half of children meeting the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines for physical activity, getting children active is more important than ever – and parents and carers have a vital role to play here.
 

Simply put, a negative experience could turn a child away from sport, causing them to disengage and miss out on the extraordinary benefits of an active life.

We are supporting the KYCSIS campaign by asking all those who work in the sector to call on parents and carers they interact with, to think about how to support children in sport and to have open conversations about what kind of encouragement helps young people thrive.

Why those in charge matter so much

There are different reasons why parents and carers are key in their life’s kids when it comes to sport:

  • Parents and carers shape how children feel about sport. Their behaviour, language and the support they offer can determine whether sport is a positive space for their child. 
  • They know what their child needs and what kind of support they respond to. Support looks different for every child. Some want loud cheering, while others may prefer quiet encouragement.
  • Parents and carers are best placed to know what their child needs. They can then share this with coaches and leaders.

Positive support from parents and carers helps children reach their goals. So whether that is winning, a personal best, being a good teammate or simply enjoying being active, positive support from parents and carers can build a positive relationship with sport and physical activity.

The TALK steps 

There are four simple steps every parent and carer can follow to ensure their kids enjoy sport in a secure and enjoyable way – it’s what we call the TALK steps and we’d love it if you could share these with those in your network.

  • Talk to the child; listen to the child: parents and carers should ask why their child plays and how they want to be supported. Parents can use their answers to guide how they show up at training and competitions.
  • Always show respect: we encourage parents to be good role models of sports values by supporting the whole team and treating coaches and officials with respect, even when they disagree.
  • Let’s speak out: if adults are shouting insults, criticising, focusing on weight, confronting officials aggressively or pushing children into competitions that are too advanced for them, parents and carers should raise it with the club’s welfare officer or match-day official.
  • Keep sport fun: we encourage parents and carers to praise effort and progress as well as results. Offering constructive encouragement when things go wrong can help children learn from setbacks.

What about if my child is in a competitive environment?

For many parents and carers, it’s brand-new territory when turning up at their child’s first sporting event – but they must be equipped and not afraid to ask about anything they feel unfamiliar with.

Here are five questions every parent/carer should ask before signing their child up to a competition:

  • What is the primary purpose of this competition for children at this age or level?
  • How are children supervised and safeguarded during the event?
  • What expectations will be placed on my child and what support is available if they find it stressful?
  • How are selection and team decisions made and communicated to participants and families?
  • Who is the designated welfare officer and how do I raise a concern on the day if needed?

Asking these types of questions before agreeing to children taking part makes it easier for parents to recognise when something is not right.

Spotting concerns and taking action

Parents and carers know what their child needs to be their best and should be empowered to challenge or call out behaviour that could harm their child’s wellbeing.

Adults shouting from the sidelines, personal criticism of children, pressure about weight or repeated, aggressive challenges to officials are all red flags.

Parents should report concerns the club’s welfare officer or the relevant match official immediately.

If you remain worried about anything that may cause harm, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected].

We all have a joint commitment to ensure children and young people feel safe when taking part in sport so let’s make sure, we support parents and carers to make this happen!
 

Find out more

Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week

Running, representation and resilience

Movement has always been more than exercise for me.

My first motivation was staying healthy and trying to stave off hereditary diseases like hypertension and diabetes that run in my family (and, so far, I'm happy to say it has worked!).

But movement quickly became my outlet, my reminder that I am alive, capable and able to set goals.

The power of movement

When I lace up my trainers and step outside, I am not only moving my body. I am moving through history, community and identity, and I am claiming me. I do this for me.

This year the theme for Black History Month is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, highlighting the resilience and contributions of the Black community, and I am reminded that movement has long been a form of resistance, survival and celebration for Black people.

From dance to sport, movement has always been our way of claiming space, telling stories and showing strength and, for me, running is my chosen form of movement. It gives me freedom, resilience, and connection – three qualities that shape how I live and lead.

Growing up, I saw elite athletes who looked like me on TV, but I did not see everyday women like me running.

Running was not something I thought belonged to me as an adult (child me, yes, because children always run), but the first time I tried it outside as an adult, something shifted – it was not about speed or medals, it was about finding a rhythm that was mine.

Over the years, running has carried me through joy and pain.

It has helped me navigate life’s challenges, from grief and motherhood to menopause and leadership, and it has also changed how I see myself, not as the fastest or the best, but as someone who shows up, puts one foot in front of the other and keeps going.

This year the theme for Black History Month is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, highlighting the resilience and contributions of the Black community, and I am reminded that movement has long been a form of resistance, survival and celebration for Black people.

Running has also shown me how much representation matters.

There have been times I felt invisible at races or out of place in running communities, but when I began sharing my story and weaving my Jamaican heritage into my running, I discovered others felt the same – and that, by stepping forward, I could help them feel seen.

Showing the real deal

That is why I am proud to be part of the advisory board for This Girl Can.

For the Phase Six of the campaign, we have focused on showing women as they truly are: sweaty, busy, imperfect and joyful.

Not polished versions of women exercising effortlessly, but showing real women making time for movement in the midst of their busy lives.

Being on the advisory board has given me the chance to share my perspective, especially around the barriers that Black women face in sport.

From worries about hair care, to feeling unsafe in certain spaces, to simply not seeing ourselves represented, these are real issues that stop many of us from moving freely.

Phase Six is about breaking those barriers down and telling a wider story of who belongs in movement.

This new stage of the campaign is also about making sure that when women see the campaign, they see someone who looks like them, lives like them and feels like them. Because when you can see yourself, you start to believe you belong.

From local to national

In 2019, I founded Black Girls Do Run UK.

What began as a small idea, creating space for a handful of Black women to run together, has grown into a nationwide community, because we are more than a running group. We are a family!

We celebrate milestones, we share struggles and, more than anything, we create spaces where Black women can move without judgement or stereotype.

Alongside leading the community, I hold both the Leadership in Running Fitness and Coaching in Running Fitness qualifications.

These have allowed me to support runners of all abilities, from beginners to those chasing big milestones, and to bring structured, safe and inclusive coaching into our spaces.

For us, running is not about chasing times, and all about creating a memory bank, not metrics.

It is about laughing mid-race, stopping for photos and supporting each other at the back of the pack. It is about belonging.

Together in strength

Black Girls Do Run UK exists because representation matters.

Too often, Black women are absent from the imagery of running, but by showing up in our kit at races and online, we are rewriting that narrative. We are saying we are here, we run and we belong!

For me, movement is freedom. It is the freedom to be myself, to take up space and to live well in my body and during Black History Month, that freedom feels especially powerful.

We honour the struggles of those before us, celebrate the present and move with hope for those who will come after because movement connects past, present and future.

It reminds us that while the barriers are real, so is our resilience, and it proves that when women move, communities move and change becomes possible.

So this Black History Month, I celebrate movement in all its forms: the steps, the strides, the miles and the memories. Movement has shaped me, and I will keep moving, for myself, for my community, and for the generations yet to come.

Find out more

No-one left on the sidelines

People might not expect Hazel, who is blind and living with complex disabilities, to enjoy skiing – but it’s an activity she absolutely loves! 

Hazel is a lot of fun – she’s got an amazing imagination and the warmest smile. However, because she’s blind and disabled, there have been times in her life when Hazel has been isolated and hasn’t had any opportunities to join in activities.

Amongst the many barriers preventing people like Hazel from being active is the lack of knowledge within the sports workforce to ensure disabled people feel included in activities.

A key figure for disabled people 

The 2023-24 Annual Disability and Activity Survey by Activity Alliance shows that the number of disabled people agreeing that ‘The activity leader met my needs’ has continually decreased over the past four years.

The role of the coach is crucial to the experience that a participant has in sport and physical activity.

We know it’s challenging for any coach to ensure their session is engaging for everyone in their group, so imagine working with a group of participants with complex disabilities, like Hazel.

In addition to adapting to their skill level, a coach must also consider their level of vision and hearing, their mobility and their understanding of the task.

They must ensure that both the environment and their own approach are tailored so that each participant can actively participate in the activity.

This requires changes to how a coach prepares, communicates and interacts.
 

Amongst the many barriers preventing disabled people from being active is the lack of knowledge within the sports workforce to ensure disabled people feel included in activities.

It's also important to reflect on the idea of ‘active participation’.

Any coach can deliver an ‘off-the-shelf’ session but it takes real commitment, care and creativity to develop opportunities which ensure people with complex disabilities can engage meaningfully and appropriately – in a way which supports them to achieve all the outcomes they want to achieve by being active.

Whether it’s their physical, mental or social wellbeing they are trying to improve, it’s never been more important for a coach to ensure they are meeting their participant’s desired outcomes.

Sense’s Potential and Possibility research found that 26% of people with complex disabilities report their health as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’, compared with 9% of the general population.

In response to this data, we are determined to ensure that no-one is left on the sidelines.

We believe that everyone, no matter how complex their disabilities, should have access to high-quality opportunities that help them achieve the outcomes they desire.

Our 'person-centred' approach

That’s why our recently launched Complex Disabilities in Sport training has been designed to help coaches understand the outcomes people want to achieve from sport and physical activity and design their sessions in a way which supports them to do so.

The training was developed following consultation with Sense’s own coaching networks, as well as the wider sport and physical activity sector, who identified training on ‘How to plan sessions which are person-centred’ and in a face-to-face format, as the most desirable learning scenario.

Following plenty of piloting and tweaking, we’re now in the process of delivering these three-hour, practical and theory-based workshops across the country, targeting sport and physical activity providers who have a real commitment to utilising their newly learnt skills with a complex disabilities audience.

And we’re really pleased with the results so far, with coaches reporting on average a 30% increase in their confidence in coaching people with complex disabilities, post-workshop.

It’s safe to say that Hazel’s positive experience with skiing would not have been possible, had instructor James not taken a person-centred approach to delivery.

By understanding Hazel’s need to take things slowly, allowing her to explore her surroundings and feel supported, James created an environment in which Hazel slowly started to feel more comfortable.

We hope that over the remainder of our Sport England funded ‘Active Lifestyles’ programme and beyond, we can continue to build the confidence of the coaching workforce, allowing more people, like Hazel, experience what her key worker Tracey describes as ‘a real sensory explosion’.
 

Find out more

Adapting sport activities for disabled people

More than just another leadership programme

I recently joined the Oxford Women’s Leadership programme to give myself space to reflect with a group of peers to sharpen my professional impact.

In our first week, we spent time examining key experiences that have challenged, awoken and shaped us as leaders, and I found myself musing on some of the hardest, most confusing times in my life and my career, as well as on some of the positive and encouraging events.

The process has already helped me grow in self-awareness and draw on knowledge about what I bring to the table, something that had been present but dormant.

This experience has fuelled my excitement about Sport England’s refreshed leadership offer – the Leading the Movement programme.

Re-thinking leadership

Over the next four years, we’ve committed to invest £5 million of National Lottery funding to support leaders to prioritise tackling inequalities within sport and physical activity participation.

I believe that this investment into coaching, mentoring and training is one of the most important investments we can make into our sector.

And this is because what we need most, as leaders operating in an increasingly complex world, is the ability to hold up a mirror to ourselves and our organisations to see where we might be contributing to the structures that hold inequity in place.

Change has to start with us and we can’t change until we’ve taken time to sharpen our understanding of our strengths and areas of growth, and until we make some intentional changes to build on our existing body of experience.

But what do we mean by ‘leaders’?

Having worked in community-led settings, I’m acutely aware that at first glance, leadership as we know it can feel exclusive, but Leading the Movement is aiming to buck that trend.

What we need most, as leaders operating in an increasingly complex world, is the ability to hold up a mirror to ourselves and our organisations to see where we might be contributing to the structures that hold inequity in place.

We know that leaders can be found in communities, in organisations of varied scales and at all levels of responsibility, so we’re committed to supporting individuals from communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in our sector.

The programme will bring together our previous national and place-based leadership work, building a network of leaders from different backgrounds and we hope that these leaders will enrich each other's experiences and trade knowledge and insight.

There’ll be a microsite full of content that is accessible to anyone who’s interested and we’ll also have targeted support for leaders within our funded portfolios.

Tackling the challenges

Our ambition is that this won’t be ‘just another leadership programme’. Instead, we want to see a significant shift in confidence, knowledge and impact.

We know from listening to people within our sector that, especially for leaders with an explicit responsibility for driving-inclusion exhaustion, discouragement and burnout are very real risks.

We want to tackle this by creating a supportive community which acknowledges the day to day challenges of leading on the frontline and equips leaders with the skills to create measurable shifts in culture and practice.

All of this is pointed at the primary aim of our long-term strategy, Uniting the Movement, opening up more opportunities for everyone in England to experience the benefits of an active life.

And we need an army of confident, impactful leaders to make this a reality!

If you want to be part of Leading the Movement, visit its new site and check how we can support you and your team in your leadership journey.

In the meantime, why not take some time to reflect on a moment or experience that has shaped you as a leader? What did you learn about yourself that might help you rise to a challenge you’re facing today?

Visit our new site and find out more

Leading the Movement

Levelling the playing field

It’s undeniable that the Lionesses’ recent triumphs and the professionalisation of the women’s game, the strong performance of the men’s team and the fact that the number of girls watching and playing football has doubled in recent years, has made the country proud.

We know that the scale of grassroots football in England means that the sport is well positioned to influence people and communities in tackling inequalities in sport and physical activity.

So because of all of these reasons, we thought that our case study with The Football Association (FA) would be a great way to close our series of blogs.

The FA is the National Governing Body for one of the country’s most popular sports and receives significant funding through Sport England’s system partner investment.

We know that the scale of grassroots football in England means that the sport is well positioned to influence people and communities in tackling inequalities in sport and physical activity.

This funding, while a small proportion of The FA’s overall turnover, drives initiatives aimed at tackling inequalities and increasing participation among under-represented groups.

What we've learnt from football 

There are different learnings we’ve achieved from these initiatives that are also contributing to Sport England's long-term strategy – Uniting the Movement. 

Efforts should be made to keep girls in the sport 

Recognising the common challenge of drop-off in girls’ sports participation during teenage years, The FA developed ‘Squad’– a programme that’s designed to be a fun, non-competitive initiative for girls aged 12-14.

This model, which could be replicated across other sports, prioritises enjoyment and social connection, and aims to retain girls in football while building their confidence and leadership skills.

In addition, they have developed a new talent ID programme called Discover My Talent, shifting the way they find and support talented footballers.

The FA’s learnings from this programme highlight that moving away from a traditional approach, focused on existing clubs and academies, enables them to identify potential "anywhere, anytime."

This approach aims to identify talented players across the country, within diverse groups and at any kind of football events and sessions to broadening opportunities across different communities, resulting in more diverse talent pathways for women and girls.

The FA reports that they are seeing positive results, with increased diversity in the top talent programmes.

Increasing opportunities for disabled players 

The FA is committed to growing para- and disability football and to closing the disability gap, partly through initiatives like ‘Comets’ – a recreational program for disabled children aged 5-11 that provides fun and accessible entry opportunities to the sport.

While aiming to expand Comets and the provision of disability football, The FA acknowledges challenges such as workforce training, confidence levels of local coaches to support disabled people and logistical barriers to attending sessions – like the time and financial costs of travel – for para-athletes.

In response, The FA are providing disability training and toolkits for clubs, called Journey to Inclusion, with the aim of proactively addressing these challenges.

The FA have identified potential for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing with other system partners to continue to address these difficulties, as well as using football as a hook to engage disabled people and connect them with other sports.

Investing in the workforce to reflect the communities served

As many system partners have told us, local champions have an important role for creating local change.

Recognising the need for a diverse workforce to help diversify participation, The FA is actively working to increase the number of Black and Asian coaches in grassroots football.

And by targeting specific localities and offering more coaching opportunities, The FA aims to create a coaching landscape that reflects the communities it serves.

The role of local partnerships for building a stronger ecosystem

The FA is increasingly working locally, tailoring programmes to the unique needs of different communities.

Their experience is that partnerships with community groups and schools are key to reaching under-represented groups.

Ensuring safeguarding standards when partnering with non-accredited organisations is recognised as a challenge, so they are actively supporting community organisations in developing their safeguarding processes through training and qualifications.

Looking at what's to come

The new Learning Synthesis report based on the year two evaluation report will be published soon with more insights from the ongoing evaluation.

It will also include the collective contributions that partners are making to changing the sport and physical activity system.

We hope this series of blogs have been useful and if you have any comments or questions, we'd love to hear from you, so please get in touch.

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