inclusive coaches

COACH DEVELOPMENT

The London Youth Games (LYG) Inclusive Coaches Programme is a welcoming community of diverse coaches committed to developing, connecting, and championing inclusive sports delivery within LYG and beyond.

The Inclusive Coaches Programme aims to elevate London’s coaching landscape, to support the creation of the world’s most inclusive city focused youth games.

Want to apply?

Complete the below form to apply for London Youth Games Inclusive Coaches Programme 2026.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 28th January 2026, 6pm.

Coaches and instructors of all sport and movement backgrounds who are at least 18 years old and live in London are welcome. A Level 1 equivalent qualification in any sport or experience in an educational setting is desired but not essential.

Any questions, please get in touch with Emma Cranston, London Youth Games’ Disability Activation Manager:
emma@londonyouthgames.org

Hannah shares the impact that being part of LYG Inclusive Coaches had on her life

“I think it’s so important that everyone can access sports, no matter what disability and a big part of that is coaches having the training for it. The Inclusive Coaches programme has helped me a lot in building confidence and by having direct training on how to support people with additional needs more effectively.”

– Hannah, Inclusive Coaches participant 2024

coaches completed bespoke coaching qualifications to their needs

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volunteered at LYG Inclusive events, including leading sports at LYG's Adapted Inspire Festival

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coaches were supported

coaches involved have a disability

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coaches involved are female

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Programme Outline

The 2026 programme will run from March 2026 to December 2026, with continuous access to the Inclusive Coaches network.

The coaches involved play an integral role in supporting LYG para-events, LYG coaches and are ambassadors of inclusive sport for London Youth Games and across London.

The programme consists of 4 compulsory workshops and 1 mandatory attendance at an LYG event.

1 March 2026

Face-to-face

1. Introduction Session

This session includes Access Sport’s Neurodivergence Inclusion in Sport Training, providing practical tools and strategies for delivering inclusive physical activities.

25 March 2026

Face-to-face

2. Inclusive Coaching Philosophies and Principles

Increase your knowledge and confidence in working with people of all abilities, needs and backgrounds

25 April 2026

Face-to-face

3. Wheelchair Basketball Coaching Taster Session

Explore key values and strategies for adopting inclusivity in your coaching approach

21 May 2026

Online

4. Inclusive Event Design

Explore what practises you can introduce to ensure events are inclusive for people of all abilities, needs and backgrounds.

Between March and July 2026

Face-to-face

5. Volunteer at 1 LYG Inclusive or ParaGames event

Apply your inclusive coaching skills through hands-on experience at an LYG inclusive sport event.

Mentoring

All participants will get the chance to be paired with a mentor, providing further support for your coaching journey, or could take on a mentoring role if preferred.

the programme mission

Our Inclusive Coaches programme is designed to increase inclusivity in sports coaching, ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability or background, has access to the transformative benefits of physical activity.

We provide access to training and mentorship opportunities that can help individuals achieve their goals and make a positive impact. From coaching to leadership and sport development, Inclusive Coaches helps individuals unlock their full potential and pursue their passions. Coaching resource and availability are under strain and our network has highlighted a need to access more quality coaching provision to support our young people to keep them safe, develop them as people, and create an enjoyable experience through participation.

By providing specialised training, resources, and a supportive community, the Inclusive Coaches programme empowers coaches to create environments where every young Londoner can thrive.

benefits to the coach

Enhance your skills, knowledge and confidence in coaching young people with disabilities.
Unlock your personalised CPD qualification.
Gain insight from para athletes in what it takes to compete at the top level.
Become part of a supporting and like-minded LYG coaches community.

Hannah's story

LYG Inclusive Coaches

“I’ve always wanted to work with people with additional needs. I think it’s really important that everyone can access sports, no matter what disability. And a big part of that is coaches having the training for it. The Inclusive Coaches programme has helped me a lot in terms of building confidence. It’s been good to have direct training on how to support people with additional needs more effectively.”

– Hannah, Inclusive Coaches participant 2024

get involved

The London Youth Games Inclusive Coaches Programme’s mission is to develop an inclusive community of coaches. This amazing opportunity is open to coaches and instructors from all sport and movement backgrounds that are 18 years of age and over and live in London. Applications for 2024 are now closed. Click here to register your interest here for the 2025 season.

key features

Gain valuable insights into creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for all participants.
Benefit from workshops and CPD qualifications, as well as event and club development opportunities.
Gain bespoke support and mentoring tailored to each coach.
Benefit from the empowering Inclusive Activity Programme, run by Activity Alliance.

success stories

Coaches like Aiden, have enriched their skills and become part of transforming lives through sports.

Aiden said: “Before I started the programme, I knew I wanted to get involved in coaching disability sport and but I felt quite anxious and not so confident. I didn’t want to let Aspergers stop me from fulfilling my coaching dream. The Inclusive Coaches programme has helped my confidence through meeting new people and networking. It’s also helped me to become a more compassionate and a motivating role model for young disabled athletes.”