Making extra time to talk about sport with Brian Davies, CEO
In this column, Brian looks ahead to the Commonwealth Games and how Wales can be inspired by this unique event to create positive experiences in sport for every child and young person.
Wearing the red of Wales at the Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games is the only major multi-sport event that allows Welsh athletes to compete for their home nation and in the red of a Team Wales kit.
Consequently, the Games have a deeper meaning than simply a topflight international competitive platform – they serve as a glowing beacon to showcase our heritage and pride.
Having been personally involved with Team Wales when the Games were last held in Glasgow in 2014, I can testify first-hand to the clear and resolute honour that athletes feel when representing our country internationally.
No doubt many current athletes will have grown up watching Welsh greats shine on the glittering stage of the Commonwealth Games, dreaming of following in their footsteps. It's not a case of them watching some distant, unrelatable role models, but ones local to them – identifiable ones shaped from the same villages, towns and cities.
That is the power of the Commonwealth Games: they do not just celebrate excellence; they can genuinely inspire future generations, and that inspiration can far outreach those dreaming of podium finishes providing proper legacy is planned and supported
The importance of sport for young people
The Games shine a spotlight on the importance of sport and physical activity across Wales. As the new Welsh Government has elevated the role of sport and recognises the impact it can have across many areas of life, we have a real opportunity to feel inspired about what could be achieved; an opportunity to create a nation where every young person can be active and enjoy sport.
We know that when children have great experiences and enjoy taking part in sport, they are more likely to lead active, healthy lives and, for some, they may one day wear the Team Wales vest themselves.
The backdrop of these Games can mark the start of a renewed effort to understand exactly what children want from sport, to create better suited opportunities for them to take part and most importantly have fun doing so, while engaging with those who can help make those opportunities available to every child in Wales.
Strong foundations
Children need the best possible start in sport — the kind of start that builds confidence, skills and belief. The kind of start that helps them enjoy being active for life and, for those who can and want to, go as far as their talent and ambition can take them.
We need to create experiences that feel good. Places where children can build their skills, have fun, make friends and feel that they belong. Because if it feels good, they will want to come back.
Fun matters. Confidence matters. Belonging matters. Progress matters.
The Foundations Framework Wales is in place to support everyone who delivers sport to make it as appealing, welcoming and enjoyable as possible.
It’s been great to see so many of our partners embracing the framework. This film, featuring South Whales Swim School, shows what it means to children and their families when coaches create amazing environments for children to enjoy sport.
Turning insight into action
It’s vital that we are always listening to what children want from sport. Not guessing. Not assuming. Listening. Children themselves are the best people to tell us what helps them feel confident, included and inspired.
That is why, in Wales, the School Sport Survey genuinely matters. For more than 15 years, it has helped us understand what children enjoy, what they want more of, and what gets in the way. With new results due this autumn, we have another opportunity to act on what young people are telling us.
But insight on its own is not enough. We need to turn it into action — with government, schools, governing bodies, coaches, clubs, families and communities all playing their part. Together, we can build the foundations children need to live active, healthy lives.
Thanks to everyone who has played a part in supporting the School Sport Survey so far this year.
Working together
There’s a part for all of us to play in helping to create the strong foundations needed for children to go on and live an active life. From Policy at Government level through to the thousands of coaches designing their sessions to the needs of the children who they are working with.
We need to change the way we’ve operated for so many years, working across sectors, with old and new partners, putting the needs of individuals at the centre of our decision making, ensuring that what we provide looks to eradicate the many different reasons that too many children can’t or don’t enjoy taking part.
We have an opportunity to respond to the School Sport Survey insight, and use tools like the Foundations Framework Wales, to truly provide access for all and improve experiences.
By working together, collaborating, sharing learning and insight, we are much more likely to be successful in creating multiple positive environments for children and young people, strengthening foundations and likelihood of them going on to reach their potential as healthy active adult, or maybe even representing Wales on the world stage.