Young Sports Leader Awards
Leadership Development Pathway for Schools
Our Leadership Development Academy helps young people grow into confident, capable leaders through sport. From leading their first playground game to delivering sessions in the community, each stage gives students the chance to build confidence, develop skills and make a positive impact.
Learn. Lead. Inspire.
Stage 1: PlayMaker (Ages 9 to 11)
A fun introduction to leadership for primary pupils.
- Delivered in school by trained Sportily coaches
- Pupils learn how to lead inclusive playground games
- Builds confidence, teamwork and communication skills
- Includes a recognised PlayMaker Award
- Helps create pupil-led, active lunchtimes
Schools often see:
- More active and inclusive playtimes
- Increased confidence and engagement
- Positive friendships across year groups
- Young leaders beginning to thrive
Stage 2: Young Sports Leaders (Ages 14 to 16)
Helping students grow in confidence and step into leadership.
- Students work towards a Level 1 Sports Leaders qualification
- Combines practical leadership with hands-on experience
- Opportunities to lead and support real sports sessions
- Delivered alongside PE, PSHE and pastoral provision
- Pathways into volunteering in school and the wider community
Schools often see:
- Confident, responsible student leaders
- Improved teamwork and communication skills
- Greater engagement in school life
- Stronger leadership opportunities for students
Stage 3: Young Sports Activators (Ages 16 to 18)
An accredited pathway for sixth form and college students ready to take the next step.
- Students gain 1st4Sport Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications
- Focus on planning, delivering and evaluating sports sessions
- Real leadership opportunities through volunteering and delivery
- Supports progression into employment, apprenticeships and further training
Schools and colleges often see:
- Students developing career-ready skills
- Greater confidence and independence
- Meaningful enrichment opportunities
- Young people making a real difference in their community
The Academy is led by James Allan
A gifted teacher and coach who has spent his career helping young people grow in confidence, leadership and character across schools, elite sport and community settings. James is passionate about seeing young leaders develop well and is committed to their personal and spiritual growth. He plays a key role in shaping and supporting the programme so it runs smoothly and supports what schools are already doing day-to-day.
Our Team
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Beth Constable
Beth joined Sportily at one of the early TRAC Summer Residentials. From participant to young leader and volunteer staff, she developed confidence, leadership skills and a sense of purpose through leading small groups, supporting younger campers and performing in the in-house band. Ongoing involvement with Sportily supported Beth to progress onto a Level 4 Sports Coach Apprenticeship, showing how sustained support and meaningful responsibility can nurture confident, capable leaders.
Beth Constable
Beth joined Sportily at one of the early TRAC Summer Residentials. From participant to young leader and volunteer staff, she developed confidence, leadership skills and a sense of purpose through leading small groups, supporting younger campers and performing in the in-house band. Ongoing involvement with Sportily supported Beth to progress onto a Level 4 Sports Coach Apprenticeship, showing how sustained support and meaningful responsibility can nurture confident, capable leaders.
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Jamie Gay
Jamie joined Sportily through local sports sessions and was drawn to the team’s positive approach. After gaining confidence at a summer residential, he progressed into co-leading sessions, completing work experience and developing both sporting and interpersonal skills. He continues to pursue football coaching alongside involvement as a young leader, reflecting how Sportily helps young people grow in confidence, resilience and leadership.
Jamie Gay
Jamie joined Sportily through local sports sessions and was drawn to the team’s positive approach. After gaining confidence at a summer residential, he progressed into co-leading sessions, completing work experience and developing both sporting and interpersonal skills. He continues to pursue football coaching alongside involvement as a young leader, reflecting how Sportily helps young people grow in confidence, resilience and leadership.
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Cassie Gay
Cassie started at 14 through football sessions and a residential experience that sparked her passion for Sportily’s work. She progressed from young leader into an apprenticeship, developing confidence in leading PE, after-school clubs and pastoral support. Sportily’s support has helped her grow in leadership, communication and resilience, alongside gaining practical, employable skills.
Cassie Gay
Cassie started at 14 through football sessions and a residential experience that sparked her passion for Sportily’s work. She progressed from young leader into an apprenticeship, developing confidence in leading PE, after-school clubs and pastoral support. Sportily’s support has helped her grow in leadership, communication and resilience, alongside gaining practical, employable skills.
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Fin Roberts
Fin began at a local football session and quickly moved into leadership roles across sports activities. His first residential experience as a young leader became a defining moment in understanding Sportily’s wider impact. With support, he gained an FA Level 1 coaching qualification and now coaches with CTFC Mini Robins. His journey shows how leadership opportunities, recognition and guidance can support personal development and growth in sport.
Fin Roberts
Fin began at a local football session and quickly moved into leadership roles across sports activities. His first residential experience as a young leader became a defining moment in understanding Sportily’s wider impact. With support, he gained an FA Level 1 coaching qualification and now coaches with CTFC Mini Robins. His journey shows how leadership opportunities, recognition and guidance can support personal development and growth in sport.
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Lydia Ravenhill
Lydia joined Sportily around age 10 and progressed through the Leadership Academy, building confidence and skills through camps and volunteering. She later went on to support school sessions and community activities. She now works as a paediatric occupational therapist, applying the leadership, communication and relational skills developed through her involvement with Sportily.
Lydia Ravenhill
Lydia joined Sportily around age 10 and progressed through the Leadership Academy, building confidence and skills through camps and volunteering. She later went on to support school sessions and community activities. She now works as a paediatric occupational therapist, applying the leadership, communication and relational skills developed through her involvement with Sportily.
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Victoria Orr
Victoria joined Sportily through the apprenticeship scheme and achieved a Level 4 qualification, developing confidence, leadership and resilience through delivering camps and activities. She progressed into a full-time role with Sportily, continuing to apply her skills while supporting and mentoring young leaders.
Victoria Orr
Victoria joined Sportily through the apprenticeship scheme and achieved a Level 4 qualification, developing confidence, leadership and resilience through delivering camps and activities. She progressed into a full-time role with Sportily, continuing to apply her skills while supporting and mentoring young leaders.
