inclusive coaches

Coach Development

The London Youth Games (LYG) Inclusive Coaches Programme is now open for applications, a welcoming community of diverse coaches committed to developing, connecting, and championing inclusive sports delivery within LYG and beyond.

The Inclusive Coaches Programme aims to elevate London’s coaching landscape, to support the creation of the world’s most inclusive city focused youth games.

By joining, you’ll become an ambassador for inclusive and disability sport and take your coaching to the next level.

You’ll benefit in 3 key areas:

Development Opportunities

  • Enhance your skills and knowledge through tailored inclusion workshops
  • Benefit from flexible CPD opportunities
  • Receive guidance from a mentor to boost your confidence and skills

Connection Opportunities

  • Build a network of like-minded coaches
  • Connect with industry leaders
  • Join an enthusiastic online community dedicated to sharing best practices

Opportunities to Make an Impact

  • Put your learnings into practice by supporting LYG events or para-teams
  • Advocate for inclusive practices within LYG and in your borough

Programme Outline

The programme runs from March 2025 to March 2026, with continuous access to the Inclusive Coaches network.

The programme consists of 4 compulsory workshops and 1 mandatory attendance at an LYG event.

Saturday 15th March
10:30–14:30, Face-to-Face
1. Introduction Session

This session includes Activity Alliance’s Inclusive Activity Training, providing practical tools and strategies for delivering inclusive physical activities.

Thursday 3rd April
18:00–19:30, Online
2. Coachwise Session

Knowledge on compliance, safeguarding, and governance to ensure a safe environment for young athletes.

Wednesday 30th April
Wednesday 30th April, 18:30–20:00, face-to-face
3. Inclusive Coaching Philosophies and Principles

Explore key values and strategies for adopting inclusivity in your coaching approach

Between March–July 2025
4. Put inclusive coaching into practise at an Inclusive or ParaGames LYG Event

Apply your inclusive coaching skills through hands-on experience at an LYG inclusive sport event.

May Date TBC
Online
5. Sport & Intersectionality Workshop

o Learn how different aspects of identity interact in sport to create inclusive environment.

Mentoring

From July 2025, you have the option to be paired with a mentor or take on a mentoring role yourself, providing further support for your coaching journey.

Applications are now Open for London Youth Games Inclusive Coaches Programme

Applications open on Monday 20th January 2025 and close on Wednesday 12th February 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday 13th February 2025.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from coaches and instructors of all sport and movement backgrounds who are at least 18 years old and live in London. A Level 1 equivalent qualification in any sport or experience in an educational setting is desired but not essential.

Apply via the Jotform link here.

Alternatively, to complete your application by phone, please contact Emma Cranston on 07794 485195.

Any questions, please get in touch with Emma Cranston, London Youth Games’ Disability Activation Manager:
Phone: 07794 485195
Email: emma@londonyouthgames.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to develop, connect with others and champion inclusive sports delivery within LYG and beyond.

the programme mission

Our Inclusive Coaches programme is designed to increase inclusivity in sports coaching, ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability or background, has access to the transformative benefits of physical activity.
 

We provide access to training and mentorship opportunities that can help individuals achieve their goals and make a positive impact. From coaching to leadership and sport development, Inclusive Coaches helps individuals unlock their full potential and pursue their passions. Coaching resource and availability are under strain and our network has highlighted a need to access more quality coaching provision to support our young people to keep them safe, develop them as people, and create an enjoyable experience through participation.​

By providing specialised training, resources, and a supportive community, the Inclusive Coaches programme empowers coaches to create environments where every young Londoner can thrive.

Brown skinned boy holds bean bag and smiles

benefits to the coach

 

  • Enhance your skills, knowledge and confidence in coaching young people with disabilities. 
  • Unlock your personalised CPD qualification.
  • Gain insight from para athletes in what it takes to compete at the top level.
  • Become part of a supporting and like-minded LYG coaches community. 

Hannah's story

LYG Inclusive Coaches

“I’ve always wanted to work with people with additional needs. I think it’s really important that everyone can access sports, no matter what disability. And a big part of that is coaches having the training for it.​ The Inclusive Coaches programme has helped me a lot in terms of building confidence. It’s been good to have direct training on how to support people with additional needs more effectively.” ​

– Hannah, Inclusive Coaches participant 2024​

get involved

The London Youth Games Inclusive Coaches Programme’s mission is to develop an inclusive community of coaches. This amazing opportunity is open to coaches and instructors from all sport and movement backgrounds that are 18 years of age and over and live in London. Applications for 2024 are now closed. Click here to register your interest here for the 2025 season.
Blonde female smiles at brown skinned participant
brown skinned boy throws discus and brown skinned male smiles

key features

  • Gain valuable insights into creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for all participants.
  • Benefit from workshops and CPD qualifications, as well as event and club development opportunities.
  • Gain bespoke support and mentoring tailored to each coach.
  • Benefit from the empowering Inclusive Activity Programme, run by Activity Alliance.

success stories

Coaches like Aiden, have enriched their skills and become part of transforming lives through sports.
 
Aiden said: “Before I started the programme, I knew I wanted to get involved in coaching disability sport and but I felt quite anxious and not so confidentI didn’t want to let Aspergers stop me from fulfilling my coaching dream. The Inclusive Coaches programme has helped my confidence through meeting new people and networking. It’s also helped me to become a more compassionate and a motivating role model for young disabled athletes.”
Aiden "The Inclusive Coaches programme has helped my confidence through meeting new people and networking."

contact us

If you would like to join the programme as a coach, mentor or ambassador,please contact Emma Cranston at emma@londonyouthgames.org.