The day was convened by Gavin James, (United Action Manager, Youth Sport Trust (YST) who was joined on stage by Youth Sport Trust Youth Board Member, Sara Yasin. Gavin outlined the journey of the partnership since its inception in 2020 and reinforced its collective purpose. In the weeks leading up to the Summit, he spent time with several young people from the National Youth Sport Forum (NYSF) to go through the Sector Pledges and simplify them to ensure clarity. Sara highlighted some of these on stage before asking the partnership to consider how they can contribute to the pledges within their organisations.

Ali Oliver (CEO, YST) reflected on the growth of the SSASP, commenting on the roles of National Governing Bodies, Active Partnerships, National Organisations and Academics. She highlighted the partnership’s characteristics of Leadership, Allyship, and Friendship, while recognising the shifting government policy landscape around PE, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA).

Ali then sat down with Matthew Hopkinson (Deputy Director - Life Skills Division, Department for Education) to discuss developments in the policy landscape within Education. Matthew gave updates on the Curriculum Assessment Review, the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, and new frameworks such as the Enrichment Framework and School Sport Network, designed to evolve PESSPA provision.

Kate Thornton-Bousfield (CEO, Association of Physical Education (AfPE), Alan Watkinson and Heather Douglas (Head of Policy, UK Coaching) were then welcomed onto the stage to close out the morning addresses.

Kate emphasised AfPE’s advocacy role in the partnership, holding the government to account over the two hours of high-quality PE, and spoke about a change in the curriculum’s qualifications to ensure that there is a well-trained workforce.

Alan championed the School’s Active Movement (SAM) as a vehicle for collective action, with an ambition to build a generation of happy, healthy, active young people. They exist to connect, advocate and share, directly aligning with the purpose of the SSASP, using the strength of a collective voice. 

Heather spoke about the intersection and alignment of The Children’s Coaching Collaborative and Play Their Way, stating ‘Voice, Choice, Journey’: the right to be heard, the right to play and the right to develop. Heather spoke about the journey Play Their Way has gone on, spotlighting the value of co-design and child-centred approaches.
Following the morning presentations, delegates were asked to consider and capture reflections, implications, and any questions they had, following everything they had heard.

After a networking lunch featuring a game of Kirby, Izzy Cottrell and Dom Anderson (NYSF) utilised the five components of Play (Physical, Social, Cognitive, Creative and Emotional) to engage the room in a game inspired by Trivial Pursuit. The game, which included activities such as riddles and tongue twisters, stimulated the feel-good hormones, linking play with wellbeing.

The game was a segue into a session led by Eugene Minogue (CEO, Play England) and Chris Wright (Head of Wellbeing, YST), about Play England’s new strategy - It All Starts With Play. The informative session featuring hard-hitting statistics and emotive videos had a simple message: ‘a society where all children have freedom to play.’ The strategy calls for Play Sufficiency legislation to guarantee every child’s right to accessible play opportunities, focusing on spaces and places, workforce and provision.

Following an afternoon break, Vicci Wells (Asst. Director – Children & Young People, YST) introduced a share and learn carousel, enabling delegates to move around the room and hear a short programme update from fellow partners. The sessions were as follows:

Obstacle Course Experience, Modern Pentathlon
- Will Brown (CEO, Modern Pentathlon)

Inclusion 2024, Swim England
- Ashley Jones (Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Manager, Swim England)

Improving PE & Sport for Muslim Girls, FA/Nike/Muslim Sports Foundation 
- Wendy Taylor (National Manager – Women & Girls, Youth Sport Trust)

Rewarding & Recognising Young Leaders, Youth Sport Trust
- Steph Matthews (National Manager – Leadership, Youth Sport Trust)

The day concluded with a Q&A session, brilliantly led by Thomas Dos Santos Serrano (London Youth Games and NYSF Member). Assisted by Ali Oliver, Thomas asked Matthew Hopkinson several questions that had been captured and consolidated following the morning table discussions.

In the spirit of ensuring Youth Voice was embedded throughout the day, Gavin closed the day alongside another young person from the NYSF, thanking the partners for their continued support of the SSASP.

Please find the slide deck containing available slides from the day.

Thank you