The aim of this event was to inspire each attendee to become an inclusive sports leader. Although lower numbers than originally planned, this event showcased the power of inclusion with all four schools collaborating to share ideas, make new connections and develop their knowledge and confidence to become inclusive leaders.

One of the young role models at the day was Erin. When Erin started at Fairfield College, she did not want to participate in PE, outlining to Rachel that she hated the subject. However, after trying a range of activities, outside of the traditional sports, Erin started to enjoy each lesson and decided to take the leap into a leadership role. She attended the 2024 YST IYL day organised by Rachel and in July 2024 successfully achieved the Leadership Skills Foundation ‘Sports Leaders Level One’ accreditation.

On the day, Erin delivered an inspirational talk with Kyle, who had his own story to tell about PE. When starting in PE lessons at Fairfield, Kyle was extremely quiet and although he joined in with all the activities, he was shy and had limited confidence. Kyle decided to complete the ‘I can lead’ course, as he wasn’t quite ready for the Level One course. However, Kyle excelled on this course, so much so that he went on to complete his Level 1 Sports Leaders the following year. On the day, Erin & Kyle delivered a short presentation about their inspirational journeys into leadership to encourage the attendees to try it to!

“One of the events we completed last year was a Christmas Santa Dash where basically you’re in a big area and us sports leaders are trying to throw fake snow (don’t worry it’s not actually snow, it’s flour!) and encouraging others as they run around the area. You don’t have to compete in the run either, there is a quiet area where you can play and chill if you don’t want to run. I really enjoy watching the children have fun and throwing the fake snow!

One of the other sports I’ve led is Boccia – I love Boccia – I’m a referee as well! We taught ‘Four Beat’ there too (paused to teach everyone how to complete Four Beat). Skills that we’ve developed as young leaders are teamwork, communication, responsibility, hardworking, responsibility, kindness, organisation and confidence.

We love to be able to motivate everyone to be involved and encourage other young people to get involved and have a go”
When asked by Paralympian Kate Ager (nee Grey) what skill or quality they had developed most Kyle said “I’ve learnt to work hard”

Erin said “My confidence has improved a lot.”

Erin & Kyle

Last summer, Fairfield Farm College held their annual Sports Day. On that day, each tutor group chose a Sporting Champion based on the college values of: Compassion, Pride, Inclusion, Teamwork and Innovation. Rachel also selected an overall Champion called a ‘Leg-End’. Kyle was awarded the ‘Leg-End’ of the year!

Another young person attending the IYL event was Mitch. Although incredibly shy at the start of the day, Mitch began to involve himself with the activities with young people both inside and outside of his own college.

A fabulous moment to witness was a nervous Mitch meeting a new group of young people from another school, carrying a cuddly elephant with him. They asked him what his favourite sport was, to which Mitch answered saying he didn’t think he had one. The young people from the other school responded with ‘you may not have a favourite sport, but you have a favourite animal (pointing to the cuddly elephant)’ to which another pupil said, ‘and a great choice in animal!’. This made Mitch smile and showcased the power of building belonging and confidence through connecting with fellow young people.

When speaking to Mitch after the festival, he described his journey to me:

“So basically, I guess I’ve always had a bit of trouble being active and with sports in general because well I don’t know, it’s hard for me I guess. Especially at the time Fairfield was a new place to me and I find sports hard. So, it was hard for me because I was nervous. I used to stand in the corner away from everyone else. The first lesson was overwhelming. As I kept doing it and doing it, I got used to Fairfield and used to PE as well, so I guess slowly I got back to normal and gained more confidence. I agreed to be a sports leader and since becoming one, I have completed two other events including the Santa Dash which was good but there were a lot of people. It was challenging at the start, but it was really fun. I chose to support others rather than throw the snow, but that worked well for me. As a leader, I enjoy seeing and helping other people with sports. Today’s been a bit overwhelming, but it’s been really nice to meet new people and give the activities a go.

Rachel [Mitch’s PE teacher] is great. At first it was hard to accept a new teacher, but as time’s gone on it’s clear to see she definitely cares about me and the others in our group and wants us to be better and succeed in everything we do.”

It was fantastic to see the confidence and leadership skills developed by the young people on the day, but most importantly the friendships and belonging built between schools united by participation. The power of creating those friendships will empower those young people beyond the festival and into their future opportunities.