What we have learnt
Realising the potential of England ’ s frontline workforce
Since 2017 , the number of frontline deliverers in England has remained stable at 2.6 million . However , with the onset and lingering effects of the pandemic , plus multiple separate challenges , we have observed a worrying trend . The coaching workforce – both volunteers and paid coaches – has begun to slowly decline .
This is a serious concern : a workforce that lacks growth and dynamism diminishes the capacity of sport and physical activity to impact positively on the health and well-being of the nation . We recognise the scale of the challenge before us and the transformational change that is needed to meet it head on .
Unfortunately , the barriers preventing specific population groups from becoming active have only been reinforced by the disruption caused by the pandemic and the more recent cost-of-living crisis .
Great coaching has an instrumental role to play in the nation ’ s recovery by providing opportunities to those people and communities that have traditionally been left behind – because coaches have the power to remove barriers to activity by providing the individual care and support , the motivational nudge and the empathy , influence , and expertise to effect positive behaviour change .
By creating a rich , dynamic environment where everyone feels valued and respected , coaches have an integral part to play in addressing contemporary societal issues , such as tackling social isolation and loneliness ; reducing offending and crime ; and strengthening mental health .
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