Young Leaders
From first qualification to paid work in sport.
Our Young Leaders programme gives local young people qualifications, mentoring and real experience of planning and delivering sport. They build confidence, learn workplace skills and take clear steps into volunteering, casual employment and apprenticeships.
Young leaders in action
13
Youth leadership qualifications achieved
7
Young leaders progressed into paid casual work
5
Youth-led community events delivered
2026
Our first apprentice starts in September
A clear route into sport and work
Young people do more than complete a course. They apply what they learn in real settings and progress at a pace that suits them.
1. Learn
Complete a recognised youth leadership qualification and learn how to plan safe, inclusive activities.
2. Lead
Put skills into practice at school festivals, community sessions and holiday activities.
3. Volunteer
Build experience, reliability and confidence while working alongside qualified staff.
4. Work
Progress into paid casual coaching, event roles, further training or an apprenticeship.
What young people gain
Our programme combines qualifications with regular chances to use new skills. Young leaders receive support from experienced teachers, coaches and community staff.
- Recognised qualifications: structured learning in leadership, coaching and event delivery.
- Practical experience: planning activities, leading groups and supporting younger children.
- Workplace skills: communication, teamwork, responsibility, problem-solving and timekeeping.
- Mentoring: support to identify strengths, set goals and take the next step.
- Career routes: volunteering, casual paid work, apprenticeships and further training in sport.
- Community contribution: a chance to shape activities and make a visible difference locally.
Why this work matters
Young people in Harworth and Bircotes face limited local routes into training and employment. Parts of the community rank within the most deprived 10% and 20% nationally for children and young people. More than 72% of residents experience education deprivation, and around one in four working-age adults has no qualifications.
Young Leaders responds with opportunities that young people can see, access and use. Sport provides the setting, but the outcome is wider: stronger confidence, useful qualifications, trusted adult support and genuine experience of work.
Young people help plan and deliver activities for younger peers. This gives them responsibility, raises expectations and shows that their skills have value within their own community.
Built with schools and communities
Our partnership with Serlby Park Academy
We work closely with Serlby Park Academy to deliver leadership qualifications and create chances for students to apply their learning. Young people plan and lead sports festivals, support community sessions and gain experience alongside Active Communities staff.
“Students gained confidence and developed invaluable personal skills including teamwork and professional communication.”
A. Hoffeinz, Assistant Principal
Work with Active Communities
We welcome enquiries from schools, colleges, sports clubs and community organisations. We can discuss qualifications, leadership workshops, youth-led events, volunteering routes and practical delivery opportunities for your young people.
Interested in becoming a Young Leader?
Young people can access Young Leaders opportunities through our school partnerships and community projects. No previous coaching experience is required. We look for young people who want to learn, support others and build experience.
Parents, carers and young people can contact us to ask about current qualifications, volunteering placements and paid opportunities. Places depend on the programmes and funding available at the time.
Help create more routes into sport and work
Funding and partnerships allow us to provide qualifications, mentoring, volunteering and paid work for young people who may otherwise have limited access to these opportunities.
We welcome conversations with funders, schools and community organisations that want to invest in local young people.