Developing leadership through sport in London

A program spearheaded by London Community Foundation is proving the transformative power of sport.

The London Sport Leadership Program offers a unique opportunity for at-risk youth to obtain nationally recognized coaching certification in basketball or soccer, for free (and including employment preparation courses and first aid certification).

“Coaching takes immense confidence, empathy, listening skills, charisma, and the right attitude,” says Thérèse Quigley, Director of Sports and Recreation Services at Western University, and founding member of the program.

“We’re telling these kids that they have what it takes to be a community coach, a community role model, and a leader off the court as well. If it helps them get a meaningful summer job as a camp counsellor, that’s great. If it helps them realize that postsecondary education is a goal within reach, that’s even better.”

The initiative grew out of London’s Vital Signs findings that showed a youth unemployment rate of 19.6% in Ontario and 15.3% across Canada. In London in 2009, just 51.9% of the population 15 years and older had completed postsecondary education, faring only slightly better than the Canadian average of 50.8%.

Research shows that team sports and other recreational activities lead to a lifetime of better health, increased self-esteem, social and leadership skills. When children are involved in sport, they are less likely to pursue high-risk behaviours.

But for some, access is limited due to cost, transportation, cultural or social barriers. That’s where the London Sport Leadership Program – supported by an array of community partners – comes in.

Twenty-four full-time students from eight different high schools were invited to participate in the inaugural year of the program. Selected based on risk factors, a love of sport and potential leadership skills, 100 participants have now completed the training.