Choice: The Right to Play
Sport is a great place for children to play
The UNCRC states that children and young people have the right to rest, take part in activities and play. How can you make time to provide the children you coach with choice and the opportunity and freedom to be creative in their play?
Article 31 – the right of children to have the chance to play and relax in a safe, supporting environment – CHOICE.
Sometimes free play can feel like chaos - but it's actually a dynamic creative space, where children are learning, developing, collaborating and problem solving.
This doesn’t mean your sessions should be a free for all – it is about finding a good balance between structure and play in your sessions.
Play is all about children taking the lead – take the time to step back, so that children are able to decide what they want to do.
Free play can feel chaotic – but it is a dynamic creative space. Get comfortable with your sessions appearing less structured at times.
If children are used to structured sessions, the idea of 'just playing' might feel strange. Encourage play creatively with challenges or supportive parameters.
The power of play
Dive deep into the shift in play culture over generations and discover as a coach how you can champion free play with Eugene Minogue from Play England.
- Take a moment to reflect on how you create moments for children to take the lead and really play freely during your sessions.
- How often do you have these opportunities as part of a normal session?
- What might you do in future sessions to move your practice forwards?
Case Study: ParkPlay
A Celebration of Choice and the Right to Play
In this video case study, we explore the Play Their Way pillar of ‘Choice’. We highlight how PlayLeaders at ParkPlay empower children to express themselves and make autonomous decisions about how they play, have fun, and stay active. Our aim is to provide insights that inspire coaches to adapt their methods, prioritising the needs and motivations of children and young people.
ParkPlay is more than just a community event; it’s a celebration of play, autonomy and creativity. Every Saturday morning, parks and public spaces come alive with the laughter and energy of children and adults alike, engaging in two hours of free, active, and inclusive games.
The ethos of ParkPlay is simple: people enjoying themselves in a way that works for them and creating a collective feeling of playing together. The focus is on fun and togetherness, not competition or skill.
Immerse yourself in the video and witness the power of choice and play at ParkPlay firsthand.
Intergenerational play is another significant aspect of ParkPlay. It’s about people of all ages playing together. This approach provides opportunities for children, and the adults they play with, to develop closer and healthier relationships with each other. It also gives family members a chance to bond, build trust, and co-create shared experiences and memories.
The events (as ParkPlay refer to their sessions), are structured around the #MeetMovePlay model, designed to get everyone involved. Starting low key, the buzz dials up as the event progresses, ensuring children get to play and interact with more and more people. The ‘Welcome and Belong’ sections provide a chance for participants to connect and shape the session in their own way.
At the heart of ParkPlay is the belief in the power of choice. This belief is manifested in the way the events are run. You won’t see controlled, one-size-fits-all, coach-led sessions at ParkPlay. Rather inclusive, responsive sessions with children as co-creators.
The importance of choice in children’s play cannot be overstated. It allows coaches to support children to connect being active to things that they love and make sense to them – thereby increasing the likelihood that children will continue to engage in sport and physical activity throughout their lives.
Creating an environment where children have the confidence to share their thoughts and feelings freely is key. This is achieved by PlayLeaders (as ParkPlay refer to their coaches) being open and friendly, building trust over time. The PlayLeaders play a proactive role in helping children – and adults – feel welcome, safe, and part of the community. This sense of belonging and ownership encourages children to share, knowing they have a right to express their views and will be listened to.
One of the unique aspects of ParkPlay is the emphasis on co-creation. Games are adapted, with those adaptations designed by the ParkPlayers themselves. This co-creation process not only helps to make the event a community-led initiative but also fosters an environment that encourages children to make their own decisions.
Don't just stick to the plan regardless...
Hear from young people at Manchester Triathlon as they share their thoughts on what play looks like in their sessions. As one young person told us about the importance of co-creating their sessions, "if you don't have a say in what you want to do, it won't be fun..." If it's not fun, they won't keep coming back.
