This week is UK Coaching Week 2026, and I’m proud that JOLF has been invited to be part of the conversation. The theme this year is Purposeful Play, and rather than talking about coaching techniques or drills, I wanted to take some time to reflect on what purposeful play really means to me.

In this episode, I share how play has become the foundation of everything we do at JOLF, why children should spend more time doing than listening, and how meaningful experiences—not perfect technique—help children build confidence, develop skills and discover a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.

I hope it gives you something to think about, whether you’re a coach, teacher, parent or simply someone who wants children to have better experiences through sport.

#PurposefulPlay

#UKCoachingWeek

#PlayItForward