We read in Matthew 2:1-17 how the wise men stopped to talk with King Herod. The king asked them to report back to him when they found the location of Jesus' birth. King Herod had just one thing in mind – to harm Jesus. After the wise men made it to Jesus, they returned home on a different route because of a dream warning them not to return to Herod.

Jesus and his family had to flee to Egypt. The King gave orders to kill all the young boys in Bethlehem and surrounding areas. During this time, these communities would have likely been scared and overwhelmed. Peace was probably the last thing they were thinking about.

Whether you are experiencing joy or hardship this season, the message of Christmas speaks to all of us, regardless of our circumstances.

Do you experience the peace of Christmas? Or is it impossible? Circumstances, world events, relational tensions and grief can make this season difficult for some.

If you feel alone, here is the message of Christmas. You are not alone! At the time of His birth, people were expecting a Saviour who would be a fierce warrior who would use violence to bring justice and rescue God's people. While Jesus brought about justice and rescue, it was through love and compassion. So, instead of violence, he allowed Himself to be crucified on a cross to save us from our sin. He received all the pain and hate the world had to offer. With His resurrection, the power of violence, hatred and division suffered a fatal blow. 

His life brought us peace only God can give, and He offers it to us:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

This peace isn't fake. It is not ignoring the problems in our world. This peace Jesus gives is a true gift that brings us closer to people around us. It calms our inner turmoil; it calms our busy minds, and it reminds us who is in control.

In a world where we face uncertainty, this message of peace offers hope and comfort, reminding us that we are not alone, no matter how difficult things may seem.

May we this holiday season fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering that He is in control and that we will experience this peace he promises to provide. May we as Christians be the people who bring a sense of calm, wholeness, renewal and hope to every situation and relationship in our lives.

"I've been on a journey lately, pondering the perfect moment to start listening to Christmas music and watching holiday movies. On November 7th, I had a moment that felt like an invitation into the season: while walking through the Highnam churchyard, I watched leaves gently drifting down, and suddenly, "The Snow is Falling" started playing in my mind. It's been on repeat ever since—a hint of the season’s arrival, like an inner nudge towards Christmas.  

But as much as we look forward to the joy of gathering, exchanging gifts, and embracing festive traditions, let’s remember Jesus, the heart of the season. Many Christians believe that Christmas is the story of God’s immense love for us, made real through Jesus’s birth. This season is about more than cosy scenes and cheerful songs; it’s about pausing to reflect on God’s gift of hope, peace, and salvation through Christ. 

So, as the early hints of Christmas appear around us, let’s be reminded of why we celebrate. Whether you’re already diving into the festivities or savouring the wait, may each moment draw us closer to the One who is the reason for this beautiful season. When do you feel that nudge toward the season?"

"In my last blog (which you can read here), I discussed some of my personal experiences growing up in the world of gymnastics. As I move to my next blog, I thought it would be good to share some of the reasons why girls drop out of sport and what we can do to support them in getting involved.

Here are some reasons discovered by the Women’s Sports Foundation after 25 years of research:

Why girls drop out:

Lack of access:

Girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play secondary school sports than boys. Limited physical education in schools and fewer sports opportunities at both secondary school and college mean girls often have to look elsewhere—which may not exist or may cost more. There is also often a lack of adequate playing facilities near their homes, making it more difficult for girls to engage in sports.

What we're doing to change this: 

At Sportily, we offer a wide variety of inclusive opportunities, such as breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, Leadership Academies, Hangouts, and more—most of which are open to all, as we’re committed to ensuring girls feel fully welcome and included.

Why not #giveitago? Check out the website to see what activities are taking place in your area by clicking here.

Through sports, girls learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and confidence. Friendships and memories are made, alongside the physical benefits of staying active. Many of our Sportily clubs are free or have a small charge. If you'd like to join an event but are experiencing financial difficulties, we welcome you to email us, and we’ll do our utmost to provide a discount code.

Why they drop out:

Decreased quality of experience:

As girls grow up, the quality of their sports experience may decline. The facilities might not be as good as those for boys, and playing times may not be optimal. In some communities, quality, trained coaches are lacking, our coaches may focus more on boys’ programmes, which have more funding. Equipment and sports kits aren’t always provided and can be expensive which can diminish girls' enjoyment and growth in the sport. In short, sports just aren’t “fun” anymore.

What we're doing to change this: 

At Sportily, we have trained sports coaches who use engaging games from the Boing Curriculum. We believe in helping each young person progress through tailored coaching and feedback that highlights strengths and areas for growth, enabling them to reach their full potential. We're committed to ensuring that girls have the same access to quality equipment, coaches, and resources as boys. Our coaches incorporate life skills and, at times, faith-based discussions that encourage young people to engage in meaningful conversations, building social and enquiry skills.

Why they drop out:

Lack of positive role models:

Today’s girls are constantly shown images focused on external beauty, rather than strong female athletic role models. For some, fitting into this mould seems more important than standing out. Peer pressure is challenging at any age, and without strong encouragement to participate in sports, girls may drop out altogether.

What we're doing to change this: 

Sportily aims to inspire women to participate in sports, not only through our amazing female coaches but also by inviting successful and accomplished athletes to our events. This encourages girls to get more involved in sports and join a Sportily club—whether it’s netball, basketball, or one of our unique sports like Tchoukball. For more information, please email me.

Benefits of being active:

Let’s take a moment to remember what being active can do for us:

• Boosts energy and improves mood through ‘feel-good hormones’
• Enhances self-esteem and confidence
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Decreases loneliness, especially in group activities
• Helps with focus, calmness, and motivation

Physical activity can also improve:

• General mood
• Self-confidence
• Sleep quality
• Energy levels

If you have a young person who’s struggling to get involved in sport, encourage them to try us out. Our sports and faith coaches are energetic and committed to helping young people develop their full potential.

If you’ve read this article and found no sporting opportunities in your area, please email us using the link below and let us know what you’d be interested in.

Contact Sportily 

Finally, if you are a young female leader and would like to receive a leadership ‘feel good’ starter pack then please do email me your name, location and the name of your local coach and I will pass them to your Sportily Coach to hand out to you over the next few weeks. 

Pause for thought…Who could you encourage to move more and get involved in Sportily activities/events or a club near you?"

References:  

Women’s Sports Foundation 

NHS England 

What Does This Award Mean?

The Safeguarding Standards Award is not just a badge of honour; it signifies our adherence to best practices in safeguarding. It reflects our dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment, where everyone can thrive without fear of harm. Achieving this award involved rigorous assessments, thorough training, and an ongoing commitment to improving our safeguarding practices.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Sportily, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe and supported, which is why we have implemented comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures. Our team undergoes regular training to stay informed about the latest safeguarding practices, ensuring we can respond effectively to any concerns.

Keeping your child safe in sport

We invite parents to join us in our commitment to safeguarding. Parents and carers play a big role in encouraging children to take part in sport or physical activity, which is important if we want our children to live healthy and active lifestyles. The NSPCC has some excellent information about for parents and we would strongly encourage you to take a look by clicking here. There is also a free 10 minute video course designed to help parents understand their role in keeping children safe in sport and to let them know who to turn to if you have any worries. Click here to find out more.

Looking Ahead

Receiving the Safeguarding Standards Award is a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning. We recognise that safeguarding is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuous improvement. We will use this recognition as motivation to further enhance our practices and ensure the highest standards of safety for all.

Thank You

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this journey—our dedicated staff and volunteers who have played an essential role in achieving this award. Your commitment to safeguarding has made a difference, and together, we will continue to protect and support those in our care. As we celebrate this achievement, we invite you to join us in our mission to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for everyone. Let’s continue to champion safeguarding and work together to make a positive impact in our community.

To find out more about our commitment to Safeguarding please, click here.

Thank you for your support!

Watch the video below for his inspiring story! 

For more information about any of our sessions, click here.

If you need help, you can use any of the charities listed below by clicking on the logos: 

Read on to hear Simon's insights and why he encourages others to get involved.

Luke: Hi Simon, thank you so much for agreeing to have a chat with me about school life and the involvement Sportily has had in that over the years. Can you give us a bit of background into your history as a teacher and what you did before that?  

Simon: Hi Luke, not a problem, it's great to be able to share the work Sportily has been doing here. This is only my third year as a primary school teacher; before that, I was a sports coach for a local company and actually led sessions at this school. I then completed my training and now teach a class here and oversee the PE curriculum.  

Luke: How have you found the difference between being a sports coach versus a classroom teacher? I know the school is glad that your coaching experience can be used to enrich the PE lessons.  

Simon: It was quite a shift to go from 2-3 sessions a week per school to full-time teaching with the same class. You have to manage the children very differently now that my role is all-encompassing, more than small snippets throughout the week. PE is still my favourite class to teach, it's very rewarding to see the children progress week after week.  

Luke: What is your history with Sportily? When did you first hear about us? And what is your favourite thing about us? 
 
Simon: I first came across Sportily when it was called PSALMS (before it was rebranded) as I used to do sessions alongside the team as a sports coach. When I joined the school as a teacher, I met Luke and am very glad that we can use his expertise and experience to offer our pupils something more. My favourite thing about Sportily is the variety that they can provide, Luke has led sessions in Blind Football, Boccia, Tchoukball, Handball and more! Trying to keep children on task and excited can be hard work, but knowing there is something new and exciting to look forward to, always keeps them going.  
 
Luke: You work in a Church of England School, how have you seen Sportily supporting that?  

Simon: Yes, Sportily has been so intentional with providing something new when it comes to exploring the mystery of faith with the school children. Sometimes it can be difficult to communicate faith to children but Sportily facilitates it in so many ways that opens the door to all children having an opportunity to learn and experience.  

Luke: Can you give the readers an example of what Sportily can offer? Really try to sell it to them.  
 
Simon: ActiveRE has been a big hit with KS2; being able to learn about the Christian faith through games and activities. The most memorable for me was a lesson about the Holy Spirit, which was shown by doing a blindfolded obstacle course with my partner having to direct me to the finish line. It wasn’t easy, but it was very well received by the children.  

We've also had Sportily Christmas, Easter, and Sports Days, which introduce faith to children in new, sometimes unconventional ways. These are supported by the local Church team who the children can speak to and build a relationship with.  

Luke: I am glad to remember the blindfolded obstacle course! It is also one of my favourites. Last question: What would you say to another school that is considering using Sportily as a provider?  

Simon: Just go for it, and at least have a trial day. They have so much to offer that I'm sure will stick with the children as they continue through their school life. Teaching is about trying to communicate something in a fun way that's easy to understand, and Sportily does that so well. We are grateful as a school that you are available to us. 

Luke: Thank you for your time Simon, I appreciate the kind words. See you for Multisport Madness After School Club next week!  

If you're a school and want to find out more about what we offer, click here.

To see what activities we have avaialble in your area, click here. 

#giveitago today.

Having started Pilates with Abbie (my first ever class) I felt confident enough to try to start another, class with a different provider. Despite this being opposite my house, I only attended two sessions before quitting. Whilst the other instructor was lovely, I didn’t feel motivated in her classes. I also felt confident enough to try a yoga class for the first time, but didn’t return. This behaviour is usual for me. I very often start new things and quickly lose interest.

Despite this being my usual modus operandi, I have now been attending Pilates with Abbie for over a year and the results have been dramatic! Not only have I taken an interest in my health and body, but my confidence has grown. Knowing that I am mentally and physically strong enough to perform these moves gives me strength in my everyday life. Abbie often motivates me by telling me that we are strong women. When I start to tire, she reminds me that this is my body working and that means it is getting stronger.

Abbie’s teaching style suits me perfectly. When Abbie tells me to perform a move, I know that I have to perform it. I am not afraid to say no to people, yet I would never dream of saying no to Abbie. I know that if she asks me to do something, she knows that I can. I often don’t believe it myself until afterwards, but I trust in Abbie’s knowledge and always feel safe.

When we work, I feel like I have worked hard. Physically, I feel the burn. Yet mentally, I feel revitalised.

I am so grateful to be able to work with Abbie. She obviously lives and breathes sport and fitness. She is extraordinarily knowledgeable and passionate. Her passion really sets her apart. Abbie often tells me how wonderful our bodies are and how much we can achieve. I genuinely feel like I am achieving!"

If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent or lacked confidence in starting a new fitness routine, Gabbey’s story is proof that Abbie’s classes might be exactly what you need to transform your own journey.

To find your nearest session, click here. 

One of the Cycling Athletes Kadeena Cox (MBE) will be going into the games as one of Team GB top medal prospects, in an interview with Charlotte Rush in Ash magazine she spoke about how the task of prepping for the Paralympics is an enormous task, but by breaking it down into smaller goals to achieve allows her to keep on track.

As a two time Gold medal winner in Rio and Tokyo there is a huge pressure that Kadenna will podium in Paris, with the added expectation that podium finish will be a gold. Speaking on handling that pressure Kadenna said:

‘I take strength from the team I have around me and my faith. I have a great support network. When things don’t go well, we evaluate and adapt. And of course, I know God has always got things in hand. Even if things don’t go the way I want them to right now, they will happen eventually, just as they’re meant to.’ 

Sage advice from the two time Paralympic velodrome champion, maybe this is the secret to her success being relaxed about the outcomes, surrounding herself with the right people and trusting God. Is there something that we all could learn from this?

Full article available to read here. 

Get organised beforehand
Ensure you have all the necessary school supplies, including notebooks, pens, pencils, and a backpack. Spare pens to offer to those who have forgotten is a great way to make new friends!

Uniform
Make sure your parents have a uniform list to follow so you can come prepared and looking smart. 

Timetable and map
Try not to feel overwhelmed by the size of the school, use your map and allow enough time to get to lessons and before you know it, you'll have memorised all the corridors and hallways, including some short cuts!

Lunchtime 
Lunchtime is where the real fun begins! Whether you're bringing in a packed lunch or buying from the canteen, this is a great time to catch up with your friends, play some games and meet other students. 

Don't be afraid to ask questions
Don't hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear - teachers and staff are there to help. There's a chance you'll see a Sportily team member around your school. If you spot an orange Sportily jacket, make sure you come and say hello, as well as ask us any questions as we're likely to know the answers, too! 

Join clubs and activities
Secondary school is not just about learning. There's so much fun to be had and your school will have lots on offer at lunchtime and afterschool. From sports to cooking, art to drama, there will be something for everyone and definitely something you'll enjoy.

Stay positive
It's normal to feel a bit anxious during this time so make sure you speak to your friends, family and us if you're feeling overwhelmed as we're all here to help you. 

Bullying and peer pressure
Unfortunately, bullying and peer pressure may be something you come across during your time at school. Be aware of the signs of bullying and peer pressure and don't be afraid to report any issues to a teacher, school counsellor, parent, friend or other trusted person. 

There you have it! This guide is your key to ensuring a smooth start to your journey through secondary school in Gloucestershire. Embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and remember, this adventure is just beginning. You've got this! 🌟

"Hello, I'm Shanice-Louise, and I'd like to share my incredible journey with Sportily, which started back in 2010 when it was known as Psalms. My adventure began at Messy Church in Stonehouse, and from there, it extended to holiday clubs. These activities quickly became a cherished part of my childhood. Fourteen years have passed, and even if I could turn back time, I wouldn't change a thing about my experiences with Sportily.

In 2019, I took a significant step forward by joining the Leadership Academy. This programme was not only enjoyable but also played a crucial role in deepening my faith. The support I received from everyone at Sportily has been immense, and I am incredibly grateful. Despite my learning difficulties, Sportily has always been inclusive, making sure I felt welcomed and valued.

From 2017 to 2021, I participated in TRAC summer residential, an experience that boosted my confidence year after year. Now, I am proud to give back as a volunteer, helping out at youth clubs and the Leadership Academy. 

Throughout my journey, there have been numerous instances where Sportily's inclusivity shone brightly. Even during challenging times, from my early years to now, I have never been turned away. This unwavering support has been a constant source of encouragement for me.

One of my favourite memories with Sportily is from my first TRAC residential event, where we visited Jumptastic. The excitement, laughter, and joy of that day remain vivid in my mind. It was a day filled with fun, and it symbolised the beginning of many wonderful experiences to come.

In conclusion, my journey with Sportily has been nothing short of amazing. The community, the support, and the opportunities have shaped me into who I am today. I am deeply grateful to Sportily for being such a significant part of my life. 

Thank you, Sportily, for everything!"

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, click here to find out more and get signed up.

Did you enjoy the swimming at the Paris Olympics?

Did you cheer on Adam Peaty [GBR]? Were you amazed by the dominance of Leon Marchand [FRA]? Did you know that Summer Mcintosh [CAN], who won 3 gold and 1 silver medals is only 17 years old and this was her second Olympic games?  

Do you know the story of Eric Moussambani Malonga who swam in the Syndey Olympics in 2000 for his country Equatorial Guinea?

The International Olympic Committee were looking to support the development of sport and athletes in the majority world who had been underrepresented at the games. To do this they arranged for a ‘wild card’ entry system whereby those athletes who did not meet the minimum qualification requirements could still take part.

Eric heard the call out on national radio for people who would be interested in representing their country by swimming in the Olympic games.

The only problem was, Eric couldn’t swim.

Still, he showed up at the trials, only to discover he was the only applicant!

Eric was going to the Olympics!

He had 8 months to learn to swim and to train, however there was no 50m pool in his country. So the only way he could practice was to use the 12m pool at a hotel, which he was allowed to do for 1 hour, 3 times a week.

Before arriving at the Olympics, he had never seen a 50m pool, yet here he was, needing to swim two whole lengths – the 100m Freestyle.

To make matters worse, he didn’t even have the right kit, so the South African Coach lent him some trunks to replace his boardshorts.

He lined up for his heat and his two competitors were disqualified for diving in before the gun had gone off. To win his heat, all Eric needed to do, was successfully swim two lengths of the pool.

Is there a more appropriate use of the phrase ‘out of your depth’?     

Eric completed the swim in 1:52:72 (watch it here) – more than a minute slower than the world record and ‘Eric the Eel’ was born!

In Paris 2024, a new world record of 46:40 was set by Pan Zhanle [CHI].

Sadly, despite winning his heat Eric was not able to progress in the competition, but after the Syndey games, Eric actually continued swimming and he became a swimming icon in Equatorial Guinea 

Four years later set a PB of 52:18, a time which would have won him the gold medal at the 1950 games.

In 2012 he became the National Swimming Coach and has championed swimming in Equatorial Guinea. 

Have you ever felt out of your depth?

Have you ever felt like you’ve arrived at a big moment in your life and felt woefully underprepared for it? 

Eric demonstrated determination and a total willingness to #Giveitago.

At Sportily we love to see people jumping in and giving it a go, that’s why #Giveitago is one of our mottos.

Why not have a look at our list of activities now and see how you might give something new a go in the coming weeks.

"I don’t know about you, but I’ve been a bit obsessed with the Olympics. 

Sports I've never watched before, have had me glued to the screen and the athlete's stories have been so inspiring. 

I’ve loved discovering the mayhem of kayak cross and been amazed by the strength and agility of the gymnasts. The rowing, the track athletics, the velodrome, the sailing and windsurfing, the bmx, the tennis, the badminton and volleyball, they’ve all captured and captivated me. 

I rewatched numerous times the moment Pidcock took gold in the final moments of the mountain bike race by sweeping past the French athlete and I cheered out loud, sat on the edge of my seat, watching Alex Yee take the Triathlon gold in the final few hundred meters.  

Poolside, I’ve loved the way the crowd have cheered for the impressive Leon Marchand and been blown away by Summer Macintosh who won her 3rd gold medal and set an Olympic record time at her second Olympics, aged only 17! 

The ancient Greeks, who started the Olympic games in Olympus had no tolerance for losers, the winner took all of the glory and there was no second or third place! In fact, losing could actually result in punishments being handed out (you can listen to a podcast about the ancient Olympics on BBC sounds here). 

Thankfully, at Sportily, we are most excited when someone gives it a go and discovers the joy of moving more. Whilst it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate winning, whether it’s an Olympic gold medallist, or a personal achievement like a PB, there's a huge amount of joy we can all experience simply by getting physical in a way that’s right for you. 

Why not check out BBC Radio 2’s ‘Move more’ campaign here, or discover a Sportily activity you can join in with here. 

In Ancient Greek society, achieving a harmonious balance between body and mind was an important aspect of an individual's personal development. The gymnasiums where they trained therefore hosted wrestling matches as well as music rehearsals and provided weight lifting training as easily as philosophy lectures.  

At Sportily we also recognise the importance of developing both physical and mental health, that’s why our ‘Play sports, talk life’ philosophy weaves its way into every activity we do. Yes, we have fun together playing sports and being active, but we also know its important to talk and create space for that.  

Together as a team, as a community, we play together, talk about life, explore the Christian faith, make friends and have fun. Why not join us when the Olympic Closing ceremony is over."

"For me, the joy of the Olympics is being able to watch 10,500 athletes from 206 countries compete in 329 events across 32 different sports. This is then followed by the Paralympics, featuring 4,400 athletes from 206 countries compete in 549 events across 22 different sports. 

It creates a huge sense of inspiration for all of us to get active. It encourages us to have fun, and to give all sorts of sports a try this summer and into the coming months. 

I don’t think there is any better sporting competition in the world which inspires others to enjoy the breadth of sport and movement. The joy of moving, of teammates, of competition. 

The Olympics and Paralympics are held in Paris this year. Exactly a century ago did Paris host the Olympics of 1924, where Eric Liddell won bronze in the 200-metre final, and gold in the 400-metre final. I cannot help but pause on his most famous quote: 

‘I believe God made me for a purpose - but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure'. 

There was a joy in listening to Team GB swimmer Adam Peaty being interviewed after his silver medal performance on Sunday, day 2 of the Games. It was also inspiring to listen to swimmer Mark Foster, five-time Olympian and six-time World Champion, talk about Adam's journey. He spoke about witnessing changes in Adam over the last few years as he found his purpose, and that for Adam, it is more than just winning; it is about faith and his family. 

As I listened to this, I was reminded of Eric Liddell. Eric described this sense of encountering God as he ran. This is a huge joy and a challenge for me, and as I think about Sportily and our desire to invite others to encounter God, I think about the ways that we have maybe forgotten, through our bodies and through movement. 

We have an opportunity to help others find their purpose. Sport and movement can be the best place for this to take place." 

Click here to find out what's on near you this summer.

Watch the video below and hear from Sport and Faith Leader Tim, before scrolling down to complete the quiz. Make sure you head to Facebook after you've completed it and comment on our most recent post letting us know how well you got on!