Discover how putting children first can transform coaching practice and strengthen safeguarding culture.
Join Active Sussex on Wednesday, July 8 from 12-1.30pm, for this inspiring virtual Community of Learning session exploring how Play Their Way and child-first coaching approaches can help create safer, more positive and more inclusive experiences for children and young people.
Through a keynote presentation from Rebecca McAulay from UK Coaching, practical safeguarding and welfare insights from Active Sussex Sport Welfare Officers, and real-life examples from Sussex coaches and partners, you will hear how organisations are embedding children’s voices, choices and needs into their delivery—and the impact this is having on participation, wellbeing and safety.
Whether you are part of the professional workforce, a coach, a volunteer, club or community organisation working with children and young people, this session will provide practical ideas and inspiration to strengthen your own approach.
By attending, you will:
Leave inspired, connected and equipped with ideas you can put into practice straight away to help build a culture where every child feels safe, heard and able to thrive. Book your free place using the form at the bottom of the page.
We’re delighted to announce the Sussex partners who will be joining our panel discussion. Drawing on their diverse experiences across sport, physical activity, safeguarding and youth development, our panellists will share practical insights, challenges and examples of how child-first coaching and proactive safeguarding can help create positive cultures for children and young people.
Meet our panellists below:
Ali O’Boyle South Coast Sports
Ali began her journey with South Coast Sports at just 15 years old and, after a decade of coaching, progressed into a leadership role and soon after Co-Director of the organisation. Now more than 25 years later she continues to drive the various arms of South Coast Sports forward, constantly adapting to the changing landscape. Passionate about creating outstanding sporting opportunities for children and young people across West Sussex, Ali works to ensure affordable access to sport within local communities & high-quality school sports provision. Bringing both coaching and leadership experience, Ali offers valuable insights into creating positive, child-centred environments where young people can thrive.
Paul Brackley Equal Co
Paul is a coach educator and founder of Equal Co, an organisation dedicated to helping clubs, coaches and organisations create environments where more young people can thrive and perform. With over 15 years’ experience in sport development, coaching and inclusion, including roles with The FA and para football programmes, Paul is passionate about improving player experiences through people-centred, child-first approaches that prioritise belonging, development and positive culture.
Sue Perry Sussex Hockey
Sue is Chair of Sussex Hockey and brings extensive experience in leadership, education and workforce development. Alongside her role in supporting the growth and development of hockey across Sussex, Sue is an active member of the Sussex Safeguarding in Sport Forum Network, helping to champion safe, positive and inclusive sporting environments. Passionate about ensuring children and young people have positive experiences of sport, Sue advocates for child-centred approaches that promote wellbeing, belonging and long-term participation.
Terry Cooper Active Hastings
Terry is a Youth Development Officer with Active Hastings, where he works closely with children and young people to create positive opportunities through sport and physical activity. With a career spanning community sport, youth development and higher education, Terry previously served as Deputy Head of Sport at the University of Sussex. Passionate about helping young people thrive, Terry champions approaches that prioritise youth voice, positive relationships and inclusive environments, ensuring every child has the opportunity to enjoy, develop and belong through sport.