Aspiring Coaches 2026

The LEAD Sport | Aspiring Coaches programme helps young people build confidence, gain recognised coaching qualifications, and develop skills that support them in school, work and life.

The LEAD Sport | Aspiring Coaches programme supports young people to build confidence, gain recognised coaching qualifications, and develop skills that help them in school, work and life.

This year’s programme begins with a three‑day Coaching Conference for pupils in S3–S5, taking place:

📅 Monday 8 June – Wednesday 10 June 2026
⏰ 9:00am–4:00pm each day
📍 2 diffent venues in Perth (see list below)

When registering, please select one of the two coaching pathways listed below.

Your place is not confirmed at the point of registration. All applicants will be contacted at the end of April to let you know whether you have been offered a space.

Please choose only one ticket type per person. If more than one ticket is selected, we will default to the pathway you chose in your registration form.

Venue: Perth UHI – Academy of Sport & Wellbeing
Suitable for: Pupils in S3–S5

This practical, hands‑on course introduces young people to the fundamentals of sports coaching.
Participants will learn how to plan and deliver fun, inclusive activities and will gain real coaching experience by working with local primary pupils on Days 2 and 3.

What pupils gain:

1 SCQF Level 5 credit: Planning Effective Physical Activity Programmes

Core coaching skills

Adapting activities for different ages and abilities

Communicating confidently with children

Insights into:

Disability sport & inclusive practice

Coaching careers and the Live Active apprenticeship pathway

Future study options at Perth UHI

Next steps:
After the conference, pupils can choose a sport‑specific qualification and begin volunteering in their school or local community.

Venue: Riverside Stadium, Perth
Suitable for: Pupils aged 16+ by the 8th June 2026

UEFA Playmakers is an early‑years coaching course that uses Disney storytelling and imaginative play to help young children develop physical literacy.

What pupils gain:

• UEFA Early Years Award
• Experience leading creative and engaging football‑based sessions
• Confidence working with younger children
• Skills in imaginative play and storytelling

Next steps:
After the course, pupils can volunteer to run Playmakers sessions in a school or club and choose a sport‑specific coaching course.

When applying, pupils should select one sport they wish to gain an introductory coaching qualification in. Please note:

• Some sports have minimum age requirements
• If a pupil is not yet old enough, they can complete their qualification in future years
• Sport‑specific courses will run at different times throughout the year

To complete the full Aspiring Coaches Programme, pupils must undertake 12 hours of volunteering. These hours can be completed in any of the following settings:

• Their own secondary school
• A local primary school
• A community sports club

Active Schools Coordinators and Sports Development Officers will support pupils in finding suitable volunteering opportunities.

It is the responsibility of each young person to log their own volunteering hours through the Saltire Awards website. Taking ownership of this process helps develop independence, accountability, and good organisational habits.

• The programme is supported by Perth & Kinross Education Services
• It is open only to pupils attending Perth & Kinross Council schools
• School staff will not attend the June conference or sport‑specific courses
• Pupils must arrange their own transport to Perth UHI or the relevant venue
• Some qualifications may require additional work before, during or after the course
• If your child requires support or adjustments, please let us know so we can help
• If your child can no longer attend, please contact us at least one week before the conference so the space can be offered to another pupil

If you have any questions, please get in touch:

Cath Devanny – [email protected]
Laura Munro – [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Perth College UHI, Crieff Road, Perth, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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