The programme is particularly valuable for young people who may not see themselves as “sporty” or who feel less connected to traditional competitive sport. By prioritising variety, choice and belonging, Multisport Clubs help more pupils experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of being active in ways that work for them.
Young leaders play a central role in shaping and delivering activities, helping to create welcoming environments where pupils feel included, supported and motivated to take part. Through leadership opportunities, young people develop important communication, teamwork and mentoring skills while building confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Through training, practical resources and local networks, Youth Sport Trust supports schools to establish sustainable clubs that respond to the needs and interests of their pupils. Activities can include traditional sports, alternative activities, fitness sessions, skill challenges and pupil-designed games, creating opportunities for young people to discover activities they genuinely enjoy and want to continue participating in.
How it Works
Multisport Clubs are designed to be simple for schools to introduce and flexible to deliver. Schools are supported at every stage to create a club that reflects the interests of their pupils and the context of their setting.
1. Staff training and guidance
Schools receive guidance and training to help staff establish and sustain a Multisport Club within their setting.
2. Young leaders shape the club
Young leaders are supported to help design and lead activities, creating a club experience that feels relevant, engaging and inclusive for participants.
3. Deliver activities in a flexible way
Schools use digital resources, practical toolkits and adaptable activity ideas to deliver sessions that fit around their facilities, timetable and pupils’ interests.
4. Build positive environments
Clubs are built around four key principles: Connection, Culture, Confidence and Challenge, helping young people feel included, supported and encouraged to try new activities.
5. Connect and grow
Schools can connect with other settings through hub networks and receive ongoing support from Youth Sport Trust to help their clubs develop and grow over time.
Impact and Benefits
Multisport Clubs create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop leadership skills and enjoy being active in ways that work for them. By creating inclusive, youth-led environments, the programme helps pupils feel more connected to their peers, their school and physical activity.
Programme impact
- 100% of young leaders who completed our training reported improved leadership skills, demonstrating their ability to guide, motivate and support their peers.
- 86% of young people who participated in Multisport Clubs established through our training reported greater enjoyment of sport and physical activity.
- 8 out of 9 teachers reported that students involved in Multisport Clubs established through our training showed greater engagement in school life.
Case Studies
Teign School
At Teign School, young leaders created a vibrant, youth-led environment that felt more like a holiday camp than a traditional club. A warm welcome, a video showcase and creative activities – including a pirate-themed scavenger hunt – made the session fun and memorable.
Leaders took initiative, adapted their roles and used digital tools to enhance the experience. They actively sought feedback and enjoyed the sense of responsibility the club gave them. Even within a flexible structure, key themes such as the 4 C’s – Confidence, Culture, Challenge and Connection – were explored and reflected upon.
Highfields School, Derbyshire Dales
Highfields School is home to 1,250 students and a well-established Sports Leadership Academy. Three Year 12 students, following completion of a Level 3 Sports Leadership qualification, were trained by the Youth Sport Trust to become Multisport coaches.
They launched a club at the Year 7 and 8 Lower School site, giving younger pupils the chance to try different sports each week, led by relatable older peers. The club brought together a diverse group of 25 students, helping build friendships and confidence across year groups.
The older students embraced the challenge alongside their A Level studies, developing leadership and mentoring skills while gaining volunteering hours towards their qualification. Highfields plans to continue the programme next academic year.
Why it Matters
Many young people face barriers to participating in sport and physical activity, particularly those who do not identify with traditional competitive sport or who feel excluded from existing opportunities. For some pupils, limited choice, low confidence or a lack of belonging can reduce motivation to take part and negatively impact their wider engagement with school life.
Multisport Clubs help schools respond to these challenges by creating inclusive, flexible and youth-led opportunities that prioritise enjoyment, connection and personal development. By giving young people greater choice and ownership over activities, the programme supports more pupils to experience success, feel valued and develop positive relationships with movement.
This approach aligns with wider evidence showing that access to sport, physical activity and enrichment opportunities can play an important role in supporting wellbeing, improving school engagement and fostering stronger social connections. Through empowering young leaders and creating welcoming environments, Multisport Clubs help schools build a culture where more young people feel able and motivated to be active.
Get in touch
Ready to bring Multisport Clubs to your school? Contact Katie Phillips, Development Manager - Sport.
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