Sportily is a Gloucestershire-wide network of sports and Christian faith groups, working in partnership with the diocese to help children, young people and families grow in confidence, community and faith through sport.
One of Sportily’s core aims, when established in 2021, was to invest in leadership development. This work has recently been given a boost with the appointment of James Allan who will lead this work forward with children, young people and young adults alike.
One part of the programme to date has been the sports coaching apprenticeships being offered.
Cassie, aged 18, a current apprentice, has grown up engaging with Sportily, and is now enabling other children and young people to experience the benefits of moving more whilst exploring the Christian faith in community.
Cassie first became involved with Sportily at age 14, when she and her brother joined a football session at Highgrove Park in Churchdown. Soon afterwards, Cassie attended TRAC, a 5-day residential trip, where her time with Sportily really took off.
“My journey started from there. I began helping at holiday clubs as a young leader,” Cassie said. “They were the best parts of my year. Seeing so many young people playing sport and communicating beautifully with one another made me want to have a bigger part in Sportily.”
Sportily helped Cassie grow in confidence, both personally and as a leader: “From leading a game as a young leader to now being an apprentice running full sessions, I have gained skills in leadership, public speaking, and professional communication. And I’m still learning every day.
“The friendships I have gained are friendships that I treasure so much – and I’m sure to make many new friends and connections in the future,” she said.
After considering university, Cassie opted instead for a Sportily apprenticeship, encouraged by conversations with other leaders.
“Like many other people my age, I started by wanting to go to university – my future ambition is to become a police officer. However, I struggled in school, and by the end of sixth form I thought that university wasn’t the right path for me. The apprenticeship is perfect for the way I work and learn. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
As part of her apprenticeship, Cassie coaches across after-school clubs, PE lessons, and in pastoral environments.
“I have loved coaching sessions this year, specifically teaching PE. Helping children gain skills that they can take further into life and possibly turn into a lifetime love for sport and physical activity is a main motivation for my work,” she said.
Sportily has also helped Cassie begin to explore faith. Though she didn’t grow up in a religious family, working alongside the Sportily team and being part of TRAC has opened new space for reflection.
“TRAC residential always brings the spirit into everyone’s hearts. Our club time in the evenings really makes us think about faith and the way we live our life. And sometimes it can be emotional, and being prayed over, for me, makes me feel very secure – and that everything is okay.
“Though I’m not fully sure how far I am on my faith journey, it feels really special to share those moments of reflection and prayer during team meetings and gatherings with Team Sportily. These people are my family, they always will be.”
Sportily employs five sports coach apprentices across its network, with each apprenticeship lasting two years. Recruitments for those aged 18+ take place in the summer term for a September start each year.
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