NGB x Play Their Way Partnership

Make your Sport a Place Children Want to Play and Grow

Play Their Way helps NGBs and organisations embed child‑first coaching through practical training and co‑designed resources.

Inside the Engagement Days

We partner with NGBs to make child‑first coaching the norm across clubs, schools and community settings. In 2025, we co‑delivered engagement days with British Gymnastics, the Rugby Football League and Chance to Shine.

The Results?

Coaches experienced a children's rights workshop, a live coaching demonstration of voice, choice and journey in practice, and a reflection session where ideas were turned into actions.

Explore the session breakdown below.

Children’s Rights Workshop (UNICEF UK)

Led by Liz Twyford, coaches explore children’s rights and what they mean for voice, choice, journey in sport and physical activity.

Understanding their rights to get the most out of them

The Children’s Rights workshop, led by UNICEF UK, gives coaches a lively introduction to children’s rights. It offers a quick, engaging overview of the UNCRC and dives into the key rights that underpin child‑first coaching. The session is fast‑paced and interactive, giving coaches the chance to explore children’s rights in a fun, thought‑provoking way that leaves a real impact.

British Gymnastics Engagement Day 2025

So every child has rights and lots of adults who work with children don't know what those rights are. And when coaches understand children's rights, it changes their practice. It changes the way they interact with children and it changes the game."

Liz Twyford
UNICEF

Child‑First Coaching in Action

A live coaching demo shows how to put voice, choice and journey into practice so children lead, learn and play in a child-first way.

A shift for a healthy future

Watching child‑first coaching in action bridges the gap between principles and practice. Instead of theory, coaches see real, subtle shifts, like a coach pausing to draw out a child’s idea or adjusting an activity to spark everyone’s excitement.

Enjoyment is the most important aspect, especially for a young child. For me when I started gymnastics it wasn't about results and medals, it was about going in and loving every minute I went there."

Max Whitlock
British Gymnast
3x Olympic Gold Medalist

Reflection and Action Planning

Coaches discuss what they noticed, identify barriers, and commit to practical changes for their next sessions.

Challenge yourself to be better

Our reflection sessions give coaches the space to come together, swap stories from the day, and unpack what they’ve discovered. It’s where inspiration turns into action — coaches leave with clear ideas on how they’ll bring child-first principles to life in their own sessions. With support from experienced child-first coaches, everyone is encouraged to share what they noticed, explore new possibilities, and shape approaches that put children’s rights at the heart of their coaching.

It's important to engage with coaches around child-first coaching, because we have that great opportunity to open that window to positive experiences, and we know that when coaches are child centered, they have holistic approaches. Children evidentially have a better experience through it."

Ian Gregory
Schools Programme Manager
Chance to Shine

Ready to Bring Child-First Coaching to your Sport?

Let’s shape a child‑first coaching experience that truly fits your sport. Together, we’ll co‑create a day or a workshop focused on what matters most - coaches leading with a child‑first ethos that keeps children happy, healthy, and eager to return.

By working collaboratively, we ensure every step is grounded in rights‑based practice and designed to create lasting, positive impact for children and young people.

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