Live Active Leisure’s third annual Aspiring Coaches Conference has scored a major success, drawing a record 170 applicants and expanding to include a dedicated football coaching conference for the first time. Held over three days at UHI Perth College, and Riverside Stadium, the event welcomed over 200 primary school pupils who received expert coaching from the aspiring young leaders.
The conference is an integral part of Live Active Leisure’s LEAD Sport pathway, which, which provides leadership, employability, and development opportunities for young people across Perth and Kinross. Each aspiring coach will now complete 25 hours of voluntary coaching in local schools and clubs, supported by Live Active Leisure’s Active Schools team.
The initiative is already making a positive impact by increasing the number of qualified sports coaches throughout the region, improving access to sport and physical activity for children and young people.
The multi-sport conference was built around a Scottish Sports Futures programme that combines youth work and sport to promote the Sport for Change approach. Participants completed SCQF-accredited ‘Education Through Cashback’ modules, gaining valuable qualifications and experience.
Meanwhile, the football coaching conference was delivered using Disney UEFA Playmakers, a programme designed to introduce girls aged 5–8 to football through the magic of Disney storytelling and play. This imaginative and inclusive approach helped create a welcoming environment for young girls taking their first steps into the sport.
“This year’s conference has been our biggest and most diverse yet,” said Pete McDougall, Active Schools Manager, Live Active Leisure. “We’re proud to support the next generation of coaches and leaders, and to work with partners who share our commitment to youth development through sport.”
The Aspiring Coaches Conference is part of the wider LEAD Sport programme, delivered by Live Active Leisure, in collaboration with UHI Perth, community clubs, and schools. It aims to help young people:
- Develop leadership skills for sport, education, and employment.
- Gain nationally recognised qualifications and boost their CVs.
- Build confidence through tailored mentoring and real-world coaching experience.
