A new initiative is taking shape in Oxford, with young sports leaders preparing to bring inclusive sport into local primary schools.
John Willis and Power2Inspire Trustee Mark Howard recently delivered a training day for Year 12 students from Oxford independent schools, hosted by Magdalen College School (MCS), one of our key partners in the city.
The aim was to give these young leaders the skills and confidence to introduce younger children to inclusive and adapted sports, helping more pupils experience activities they might not otherwise have the opportunity to try.
During the training, the sixth form students got hands-on experience of the adapted sports they will soon be teaching.
After October half term, the students will begin visiting local primary schools to deliver weekly, hour-long inclusive sports sessions. These will follow a similar format to our Games2Inspire events, but on a smaller scale, focusing on getting children involved in the activities.
For Aryan, who previously supported a Power2Inspire event at St Mary and St John School while in Year 10, the training offered a chance to experience the activities from a different perspective.
“I found John’s session today a lot of fun and really enjoyed actually playing the games this time! It was really interesting to hear his stories and about how he has risen above challenges. I’m really looking forward to teaching the younger children how to play the games.”
It’s encouraging to see young people who have previously supported our events now taking on a greater role in introducing inclusive sport to others.
To support the initiative, Power2Inspire has provided Magdalen College School with a set of specialist sports equipment, enabling the school to help lead the development of our Oxford hub.
The training day also builds on our existing work in Oxford, including the Oxford Impact Lab PowerHouseGames, as we continue creating opportunities for more young people to experience inclusive sport.
And there is already something for the new sports leaders to work towards.
Magdalen College School have set a date – 29th June 2027 – for the first PowerHouseGames they will be organising under the ‘hub’ banner, bringing together local schools to celebrate the work of the young leaders and the children they have supported throughout the year.
With several schools already on board, we’re looking forward to seeing how the initiative develops and the difference these young leaders can make in their local communities.
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