During the COVID-19 pandemic we have been thrown into a world of virtual platforms and digital delivery. We’ve used them to connect with our schools and county networks, and to deliver leadership opportunities to young people. Despite some of the many challenges this comes with, we have also witnessed amazing innovation. Technology is being used in ways we have never seen before, practitioners are working so hard to ensure that opportunities are still open, accessible and available for all.  

"Our leaders at my school have adapted brilliantly to the blended learning model which has seen some of their training modules delivered online."

Ben Moyle, School Games Organiser and LCV Lead, Kind Edward VI Upper School

As face to face delivery starts to be reintroduced, we have an opportunity to ask ourselves: what technology should stay, what has helped with accessibility and what digital innovation should continue?

Our Leadership, Coaching and Volunteering Lead Schools have shared their journeys of delivering leadership programmes during COVID-19 and we have been blown away by their creativity. Whether it’s creating online platforms, embracing TikTok, developing leadership digital booklets or delivering virtual live training. Young people have also adapted and embraced virtual leadership training which in some cases is seeing our innovation reach completely new audiences.  

"The tenacity of the young people involved in Northumberland’s leadership programme this year has been heartening. We have close to 200 aspiring leaders, coaches and volunteers from across the county regularly engaged in virtual workshops and accessing supplementary virtual CPD opportunities. Many of these have signed themselves up as their school has not previously participated in the LCV programme or where rurality has made participation in more centralised provision problematic in the past."

Liz Armstrong, LCV Lead, Pegswood Primary School

To support practitioners and young people to continue to access leadership opportunities digitally, the Youth Sport Trust (YST) has created a series of free to access, bite-size leadership videos. The interactive series comprises of six videos developed for you to use as standalone or as part of a leadership programme.  

Hosted by YST Athlete Mentors Jenna Downing, Jade Windley and Tom Davies, they share their own experiences as well as providing thought-provoking questions or interactive activities for young people to take part in together or independently. Designed for secondary age pupils, the key themes for the videos all connect to the YST Leadership Framework.

Read more about the Leadership Framework here.

Where can you watch?

The leadership videos are free to access and each around 3-4 minutes long. You can access them on the YST YouTube channel or by using the links below:   

• Are you ready to lead?
• Your leadership journey
• Building great relationships
• Influencing skills
• Developing role specific skills
• Being a changemaker

Leadership opportunities for young people, given the impact of COVID-19, are now more important than ever. Read our Impact of Covid on Leadership report here.   

"Once we return to a more normal way of life the benefits of having a trained workforce of young coaches, leaders and volunteers to support our younger children physically and psychologically through provision of opportunities to play, train and socialise is self-evident. However, it goes further than this. These leaders, coaches and volunteers will be the role models of tomorrow and will engage a following of children who aspire to behave and participate in physical activity and sport”.

Liz Armstrong, LCV Lead

Thank you to schools and practitioners that are continuing to drive leadership forward in these uncertain times. We hope that these resources help to enhance your existing offer or support a reintroduction of leadership opportunities over the coming summer term.