Community Futsal
Leadership Programme
Developing Young Leaders Through Futsal
The Swans Community Partnership, in collaboration with Bucks Futsal Club and The Radcliffe School, is delivering the Community Futsal Leadership Programme — an innovative initiative that combines youth leadership, volunteering, and community sport to create sustainable pathways into coaching and lifelong participation.
Delivered from The Radcliffe School in Wolverton, the programme has been designed to provide meaningful leadership opportunities for young people while supporting the successful transition of new Year 7 pupils into secondary school through the power of Futsal.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
The programme began by identifying a group of enthusiastic Year 10 and Year 12 students with an interest in coaching, leadership and community sport. These students successfully completed the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport & Physical Activity (CIMSPA) endorsed Football Leaders Award, gaining practical knowledge of coaching, organisation, communication and safeguarding as the first stage of their leadership journey.
To achieve their full qualification, each young leader must complete a minimum of ten hours of supervised volunteering. Rather than viewing this simply as a qualification requirement, the programme uses volunteering as an opportunity for students to apply their learning in a real-world environment while making a positive contribution to their school community.
Supporting Year 7 Transition Through Sport
From September, the student leaders will plan and deliver a weekly after-school futsal programme for the incoming Year 7 cohort.
Starting secondary school can be a significant transition for many young people. The programme aims to create a welcoming, enjoyable and supportive environment where pupils can make new friends, build confidence and feel connected to their new school community through sport.
Working alongside qualified coaches from Bucks Futsal Club and The Swans Community Partnership, the young leaders will gradually take increasing responsibility for planning activities, leading small groups, organising games and supporting participants throughout the sessions.
This supported leadership model allows students to develop confidence, communication, teamwork and employability skills while providing positive role models for younger pupils.
Creating Sustainable Football Pathways
A unique strength of the programme is the clear progression pathway it creates beyond the school day.
Bucks Futsal Club already delivers its community futsal programme from The Radcliffe School during evenings and weekends, providing an established and accessible exit route for participants wishing to continue playing.
Throughout the programme, coaches will identify pupils who demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment or playing potential and support them to transition into the club's regular community sessions. This creates a seamless pathway from school participation into sustained community sport, helping young people remain active while continuing to develop both on and off the court.
Building Confidence Beyond the Game
Whilst futsal provides the vehicle for engagement, the programme is designed to deliver much wider outcomes.
Participants benefit from increased physical activity, improved confidence, stronger friendships and a greater sense of belonging within school. Student leaders gain valuable volunteering experience, practical coaching skills and nationally recognised qualifications that enhance future education, employment and volunteering opportunities.
The project also strengthens the partnership between The Radcliffe School, Bucks Futsal Club and The Swans Community Partnership, demonstrating how schools and community organisations can work together to create meaningful opportunities that benefit both current and future students.
Looking Ahead
As the programme develops, impact will be monitored through attendance, volunteering hours, participant feedback, coach observations and progression into Bucks Futsal Club's community sessions.
By investing in young leaders and creating clear pathways from school sport into community participation, the Community Futsal Leadership Programme aims to leave a lasting legacy that extends well beyond the completion of the initial project.
“The futsal coaching qualification delivered by The Swans Community Partnership has been an outstanding programme, combining practical learning with expert guidance. All our students have been given the opportunity to develop coaching techniques, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the game, all within a positive and inclusive environment. The course has played a key role in building confidence and inspiring the next generation of coaches and educators.’”
Steve Truan - Assistant Headteacher
The Radcliffe School