New App Puts Child Needs At Heart Of Coaching
Play Their Way has launched a free mobile application designed to support coaches with child-first advice during sessions. The tool aims to boost young people's enjoyment and confidence in sport across the UK.
Play Their Way Launches Innovative Child-First Coaching App
Sport England today unveiled 'Coach in Your Pocket', a groundbreaking new application dedicated to supporting volunteers who guide children in physical activities. This digital resource offers immediate, practical advice ensuring young athletes remain at the centre of every coaching decision.
The initiative addresses a critical finding from recent Active Lives survey data, which reveals that only half of all children strongly agree they enjoy participating in sport. By providing quick answers on the move, the app empowers coaches to instil a lifelong passion for movement while embedding children's rights into their methods.
Recognising that many coaches are volunteers with limited time, the application is meticulously designed to integrate seamlessly into real-world coaching lives. Users gain access to 'Joy', a personal coaching assistant capable of generating tailored ideas based on specific age groups, activities, and available time slots. For instance, Joy can suggest engaging drills or communication strategies suited to the immediate context.
The philosophy underpinning this launch is rooted in the belief that positive early experiences build the foundations for an active future. When children have fun and gain confidence, they are significantly more likely to continue participating and reap the associated health benefits.
This app serves as a cornerstone for the Play Their Way campaign, which is funded by The National Lottery and led by the Children's Coaching Collective. Since its inception in May 2023, the campaign has championed the right of every young person to enjoy safe, positive, and trusted environments.
The launch coincided with the joint UK Coaching Conference and Play Their Way Summit held in London during June 2026. High-profile figures including Chris Boardman and Phil Smith addressed the gathering to discuss diversifying the coaching workforce and fostering greater collaboration across the sector.