Leaders Like Us Module 10, Principle 6: Make it as easy as possible for young people to take part

Barriers to youth physical activity can prevent young people from joining or staying involved even when they want to take part. Principle 6 of Leaders Like Us explores how cost, kit, travel, caring responsibilities, disability, sensory needs, digital access and uncertainty can affect participation in leadership opportunities.

This resource offers practical ways to make expectations clear and support visible before young people have to ask. It highlights early conversations about access, routine check-ins about what nearly prevented attendance, and low-pressure ways to join in through pairs, smaller groups, quieter roles or buddying. Confidence is not a requirement for joining; it can grow through participation.

Use the examples, suggested actions and signs of progress to identify recurring barriers and review attendance, engagement and feedback. The emphasis is on treating barriers as information about programme design, not a lack of motivation, and recording useful adaptations so support becomes more consistent across the delivery team.

After viewing this module, move to the next one here:

Leaders Like Us Module 11, Principle 7: Change the programme, not the young person – JU:MP