Developing wider character skills through leadership training and opportunities remains a big part of what we do through each of the delivery strands. The benefits and positive life experiences that young people can gain through being responsible for leading others in a safe and supportive environment cannot be underestimated.

We believe that giving young people opportunities to volunteer at our events, supporting their peers by leading sessions and officiating, gives a unique opportunity to develop many transferable life skills which can enhance their experience within school, and open doors to further education and employment opportunities. Volunteering and developing as a young leader can support increased self-esteem, raised attainment, and an opportunity to gain a wide range of recognised qualifications.

This programme will aim to;

• Develop essential life skills such as; confidence, communication, organisation and resilience
• Raise aspiration within school for young people to lead and support others
• Develop a school delivery workforce creating the next volunteer workforce for the local community.

Our primary leadership training programme introduces the concept of being a leader, and teaches young people the basic skills for leading others in sport and physical activity sessions. It is a great opportunity for young people to be involved in sport and physical activity differently, supporting their peers to be active and to have fun back at their school.

We have developed a virtual training resource to be used which staff can deliver in-school to any number of year 5 & 6 pupils who they feel would benefit. After this training has been completed, schools will be given the opportunity to select 6 pupils who they feel would benefit from further training to invited to a central venue for enhanced training. We will pass these pupils' names onto their secondary school to ensure their leadership journey continues.

Our secondary Youth Ambassadors leadership training creates a clear pathway for leaders to develop new skills, and to gain experience in leading at a variety of events from intra-school through to national level. This training is the next step up from the primary leadership training and students will have the opportunity to focus on more sport’s specific leadership.

We have developed a virtual training resource in partnership with the Active Together School Games Organiser Network which school staff can deliver in-school to any number of students who they feel it would benefit. This is predominately aimed Key Stage 3 however this resource can be used for Key Stage 4 students as well.

Those Key Stage 4 leaders who wish to pursue their leadership journey will have the opportunity to join the Inspire Together Leadership Academy. This will require face-to-face training bringing 5-6 students from each secondary school in Leicester City. Leaders will receive more training, be given the opportunity to support with the primary enhanced training, support at level 2, 3 and 4 events and receive support with transitioning into the community.

All primary, secondary and college students who support with Inspire Together events across all strands will be tracked. Certificates are awarded to those who achieve bronze, silver and gold awards. Students will have the opportunity to lead at Inspire, Develop, Excel and county events.

Charlotte Spencer – Assistant School Sport & Competition Manager

Jo Pegg – School Games Organiser

Jen Gadsby – Health, Wellbeing and Female Engagement Officer

Sarika Kaur – School Sport & Competition Administrator