Why We Do It

Sports leadership courses were founded to support the many voluntary community sports clubs which provide the vast majority of sporting opportunities at grassroots level across the UK.

Central to the development of these courses was the need to support willing volunteers to feel better equipped and confident in supporting those clubs. Over the last 27 years it has become clear that the role of the volunteer has become increasingly important to our society, and that through volunteering not only the community, but the individual can benefit - particularly young people learning about their place in society, and particularly those who have the least chances that society can offer. Our work has therefore developed on the belief that the individual can and should make a contribution to their community and that sport, physical activity, and the enjoyment of the outdoors all offer fantastic opportunities for volunteers to lead people in living more active and enriched lives.

For many young people a leadership role in sport gives them recognition and a sense of self-worth that they would not otherwise find. By equipping people - particularly young people - with effective communication and organisation skills, and engendering responsibility and self-respect - Sports Leaders UK awards and qualifications encourage personal growth and, through a commitment to volunteering, establish and maintain activities that help people to play together and develop strong cohesive communities which thrive. Thriving sport and recreational programmes are at the heart of the most thriving villages, towns and cities.