Year 9 leaders step up at new CYP Leadership Academy in Eastbourne

A pilot leadership programme designed to inspire the next generation of young leaders in sport and physical activity took place recently.

31 Year 9 students from across Eastbourne and Newhaven came together for the two-day South Downs SGO Area Leadership Academy across January and March, designed to build confidence and develop practical coaching skills.

The project was funded through the CYP Coordinator programme run by Active Sussex and was led by Liz Price, CYP Coordinator and School Games Organiser for Eastbourne, Hailsham and the surrounding area, with support from Nick Chellel, Workforce Officer at Active Sussex. 

Liz emphasised the leadership academy wasn’t about selecting the ‘sporty’ students, but those who were keen to grow: “We wanted students who were eager to develop their leadership skills. 

“The aim is for them to support events and gain real practical experience in their schools and communities.”

Students from St Catherine’s College, Cavendish School, Seahaven Academy, and The Turing School took part, and it was hosted at Shinewater Sports Centre, in Eastbourne.

Building the foundations of great leadership

As part of the leadership academy, students learned about national strategies and programmes, including Sport England’s Uniting the Movement, and how these impact sport and physical activity opportunities.

The sports leaders received a pack with useful information, guidance and resources, plus an ‘hours and skills’ log, to track their leadership hours, reflect on their experiences, and identify skills they have developed.

Day one of the leadership academy focused on them reflecting on their previous leadership experiences and exploring the skills and qualities of a great leader. 

Students were introduced to key concepts, including safeguarding and the STEP principle, (Space, Task, Equipment, People), giving them a simple framework for shaping activities for different groups.

The afternoon provided practical, hands-on leadership experiences, where students took part in a range of activities, applying what they had learned and reflecting on how to adapt sessions to meet different needs. 

Aaron Bishop from Defiant Sports supported the delivery of the practical, providing students with the opportunity to experience high-quality, inclusive practice. 

By the time students returned for the second session, they had already been busy applying what they’d learned. 

Many had led warm‑ups, set up equipment, coached football, netball or basketball, captained teams, run PE lessons, delivered circus‑skills activities, or progressed through their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

To build on feedback from the first session, Liz and Nick introduced far more hands‑on activity the second time around. 

After a morning session looking at the fundamentals of effective delivery, from planning and safety to communication, inclusion, and finishing sessions positively, students took part in warm‑ups.

They then worked in small groups to quickly learn and deliver short sessions on activities they may never have encountered before, including new age kurling, archery, target pass, and tunnel ball.

Nick modelled positive leadership behaviours by leading the warm‑up himself, encouraging students to observe, reflect, and mirror effective techniques.

Nick said: “The South Downs SGO Leadership Academy has been a brilliant example of young people developing the confidence, communication and leadership skills needed to deliver inclusive, high-quality sport and physical activity. 

“Across the two training days, students have not only grown as leaders, but have also built valuable employability skills that will support their future pathways and career aspirations.”

Growing confidence, new friendships, and real‑world skills

For many students, the experience was transformative. Finn said: “It was a bit nerve‑racking. Next time, I’d prepare more and know what I’m going to say.”

Archer, 14, from Cavendish School, said of the sessions: “I like it because it’s social, you meet new people. We learned the three main reasons people take part in sport: to make friends, have fun, and learn new skills.” 

And he added: “I think this will change the way I coach.”

Lily, 14, from St Catherine’s, said: “Learning the STEP technique will always come in handy whatever you’re doing,” while Tyra, 14, from The Turing School, said: “It was fun to get invited and play sport with people you haven’t played with before. Coaching outside of school will be easier now.”

Grace, also 14 and from Turing, shared: “After the first session, it gave me more confidence. I thought it would be boring, but it was really fun.”

Strong support from schools

Teachers were equally enthusiastic. Sarah Newnham‑Reeve, PE teacher at Seahaven Academy, said: “The students have been really engaged. 

“It’s a great opportunity and encourages them to take that learning back into school. I could easily have brought 16 rather than eight – a whole minibus full.”

Ben Kingston, PE teacher at The Turing School, agreed: “It’s a really nice opportunity to meet other schools and get students out of their comfort zone.”

Schools selected a mix of students, from high achievers and role models to those who needed a confidence boost or showed potential as future sport scholars. 

All left with transferable skills they can use in school, in their communities, and beyond.

Looking ahead

This leadership academy is a pilot, and Liz is keen to keep shaping it with the help of schools and students.

“It’s the first time we’ve done this, so we’re really keen to get lots of feedback and understand whether it’s worthwhile,” she said. 

“We’d love to open it up to more schools in the future. It’s something to build on and get the schools engaged.”

Some students are already preparing to put their new skills into action, with pupils from Seahaven Academy set to work with a local primary school, giving them a real opportunity to lead, support, and inspire younger children.

With ideas already forming for next year, and with such positive feedback from students and staff, this pilot is well on its way to becoming a valued part of the local sport and physical activity landscape.