We Are Forging Futures invited to YST Summit 2024
We Are Forging Futures was invited to the Youth Sport Trust (YST) School Sport & Activity Sector Partnership Summit, held at the King Power Stadium in Leicester last week.
The event brought together representatives from different organisations to share and learn from each other at the beginning of the academic year. Officials from Government Departments and Youth Board representatives were also invited to share their insights.
The summit’s aim was to unite the sector across priority system issues, including workforce development and youth engagement. Focus was also on physical literacy, defined by the International Physical Literacy Association (IPLA) as ‘the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life’.
The event included sector updates from Youth Sport Trust, Sport England and the Department for Education. We heard from Matthew Hopkinson, Deputy Director of the Life Skills Division at the Department of Education; and Catherine McKinnell MP, Minister for School Standard.
Catherine McKinnell discussed the new Labour Government’s focus on PE and school sport, and how it can improve young people’s lives. She also talked about her personal journey through physical activity.
Members of the Physical Literacy action group made presentations on the aforementioned subjects, contributing to a common goal of helping young people to get active and to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Harry Brown, BF National Partnerships & Engagement Manager and member of the Physical Literacy action group, spoke about the contribution of We Are Forging Futures. By harnessing the creative world of swordplay and tapping into children’s imaginations, We Are Forging Futures helps to engage with young people who may otherwise be uninterested in sport, helping them to develop a positive relationship with movement. Bolstered by the personal development themes instilled in our programmes, We Are Forging Futures helps young people to begin a fulfilling journey of confidence and self-empowerment.
