If you've already booked your child's place on our I Can Lead programme, or you're thinking about it,  it's natural to have a few questions.

Will they settle in?

Will they make new friends?

Will they enjoy the activities?

And most importantly, will they come home feeling more confident than when they arrived?

We know that trying something new can feel like a big step. That's why our I Can Lead programme has been designed to help every young person feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

With the support of our experienced tutors, they'll take part in fun, practical activities that help them build confidence, develop leadership skills and discover what they're capable of.

Here's what you and your child can expect.

A warm welcome

We know that walking into a room full of unfamiliar faces can feel a little daunting.

That's why we make those first few minutes count.

Our friendly tutors are there to welcome every participant, introduce them to the group and help everyone feel comfortable from the very beginning.

The day starts with fun icebreaker activities that make it easy for young people to get to know one another.

Many participants come along without knowing anyone else, so they're never the only one making new friends.

Before long, conversations are flowing, laughter fills the room and those first-day nerves begin to disappear.

From that moment on, confidence starts to grow.

Building confidence through fun, practical challenges

There's no sitting behind desks or listening to long presentations.

Our I Can Lead programme combines classroom learning with practical leadership activities, giving young people the opportunity to learn new skills before putting them into practice.

Every challenge encourages participants to communicate, solve problems, support one another and work together as a team.

Along the way, they're developing valuable skills including:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Responsibility
• Leadership

Every activity has been carefully designed to be fun, interactive and engaging.

Our experienced tutors are there throughout the day to encourage every participant, celebrate their successes and gently support them when they step outside their comfort zone.

Hear from one of our young leaders

There's no better way to understand the programme than hearing from someone who's experienced it.

In this short video, Molly shares what she learned, the activities she took part in and how the programme helped develop her confidence and leadership skills.

Discovering the leader within

One of the biggest lessons participants learn is that leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room.

Great leaders come in all forms.

Some lead by encouraging others.

Some lead by listening.

Some lead by organising their team or helping everyone work together.

Our tutors help every young person recognise the strengths they already have and show them how those strengths can make a real difference.

Because every young person has the potential to lead in their own way.

Growing in confidence

By lunchtime, the atmosphere has often changed completely.

The young people who arrived quietly in the morning are now chatting, laughing and encouraging one another as they tackle new challenges together.

As their confidence grows, so does their willingness to step forward, share ideas and give something new a go.

One of the highlights of the programme is the opportunity to put new skills into practice by leading activities themselves, with plenty of encouragement from our tutors along the way.

"We planned a sports activity session and then actually led the activity with the children." – Molly

For many young people, this is the moment they realise they're capable of far more than they first thought.

Celebrating every achievement

Towards the end of the programme, participants take time to reflect on everything they've achieved.

They'll think about:

• The new skills they've developed
• Challenges they've overcome
• How they've supported others
• What they've learned about themselves

Learning to reflect is an important part of becoming a leader. It helps young people recognise their strengths, learn from experience and continue to grow in confidence.

As Molly explains:

"We reviewed what went well, what didn't go well and what we'd do better next time. Then we did it again and saw the improvements." – Molly

Participants also work towards achieving the Leadership Skills Foundation accredited I Can Lead Award, recognising the leadership skills they've developed throughout the programme.

Skills they'll use beyond the programme

The leadership skills young people develop don't stay in the classroom or on the sports field.

They'll take them back to school.

Into sports clubs.

Into volunteering opportunities.

And they'll continue to use them as they grow.

Whether it's speaking up in class, supporting a teammate or taking on new responsibilities, the confidence they build on our I Can Lead programme can have a lasting impact.

Participants leave with greater confidence in:

• Communicating with others
• Working as part of a team
• Solving problems
• Taking responsibility
• Supporting others
• Leading with confidence

These are skills that can support them throughout school and beyond.

Helping every young person reach their potential

Every young person arrives with their own personality, experiences and level of confidence.

Some are naturally outgoing.

Others take a little longer to find their feet.

That's absolutely okay.

Our I Can Lead programme isn't about changing who young people are.

It's about helping them discover what they're capable of.

Whether they leave having made new friends, found the confidence to speak up, encouraged someone else or simply believed in themselves a little more than they did that morning, every success matters.

Our hope is that every participant leaves feeling proud of what they've achieved, excited about what comes next and inspired to make a positive difference wherever life takes them.

"My son came home buzzing and couldn't wait for day two!" 

Want to see what happens during the programme?

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the activities, leadership challenges and practical sessions that help young people grow in confidence.

👉 Read: Inside our I Can Lead Programme: From learner to leader in two days

Ready to help your child grow in confidence? 

Whether your child is already a natural leader or simply looking to build their confidence, our I Can Lead programme gives them the opportunity to develop valuable life skills, make new friends and discover what they're capable of.

With the guidance of our experienced tutors and plenty of encouragement along the way, they'll leave with new experiences, greater confidence and a nationally recognised leadership award.

Find out more and book your child's place today.

Frequently asked questions

What if my child doesn't know anyone?

That's completely normal. Many participants attend on their own, and our icebreaker activities are designed to help everyone settle in quickly, make friends and feel part of the group from the very beginning.

Does my child need to be sporty?

Not at all. The programme focuses on leadership, confidence and teamwork through sport and physical activity. Young people of all abilities can take part and benefit from the experience.

What will my child actually do?

Participants take part in practical activities, learn about leadership, plan and lead activities, work with their peers, receive supportive tutor feedback and reflect on their progress throughout the programme.

How will my child be supported during the programme?

Our experienced tutors support every participant throughout the two days, providing encouragement, practical guidance and constructive feedback as they develop their leadership skills. Every young person progresses at their own pace, and we're there to help them build confidence every step of the way.

Will my child have to speak in front of everyone?

Activities are introduced gradually, and our tutors encourage every participant to get involved at a pace that feels comfortable. The focus is on building confidence, not putting anyone under pressure.

What should my child wear?

Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for practical activities.

What should my child bring?

We'll send all joining information before the programme, including anything participants need to bring.

Will my child receive a qualification?

Yes. Participants who successfully complete the programme receive a Leadership Skills Foundation accredited certificate recognising the leadership skills they've developed throughout the programme.

What happens after the programme?

Young people are encouraged to continue using their leadership skills through volunteering, school activities, extracurricular clubs and community sport, helping them build on everything they've learned during the programme.