Purposeful Play
Play can mean different things to different people. We've spoken to coaches of varying backgrounds and practices. What’s clear is that play helps people develop physically, socially and cognitively. Yet opportunities for true play are increasingly harder to find.
Purposeful play is about being intentional. It’s using play to create meaningful experiences that build skills, confidence and connection. Experts and coaches including Joel Enoch, Gareth Williams, Andrew Telfer, and Gill Erskine share how play can be shaped, supported and sustained within coaching environments.
These resources include videos interviews, session ideas and reflections to help you bring play into your next session.
Open them here to understand how you can create space for purposeful play in your sessions, and why it matters more than ever.
Explore Purposeful Play
Understanding Purposeful Play
Find out what purposeful play really means and why it matters. Hear from Andrew Telfer, Gill Erskine and Gareth Williams as they share how play supports learning, wellbeing and long-term development across all ages.
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Purposeful Play Coaching Skills
Discover the coaching behaviours that bring purposeful play to life. From learning design to questioning and flexibility, learn how to create engaging environments that support deeper learning and development in your participants.
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Developing Play in Your Sessions
Ready to play? See practical ways to introduce fun into your sessions and overcome common barriers. This guide will help you design engaging, participant-centred experiences that drive development and, crucially, enjoyment.
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Play for Performance
Join Joel Enoch as he explores how purposeful play can support learning, develop skills and enhance performance. Discover practical approaches that challenge participants, encourage creativity and create engaging environments where players can thrive.
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What Sword Fighting in Scotland Teaches Us About Play
Hear how Andrew Telfer and Gill Erskine use playful outdoor activities to create welcoming experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Discover how play can build confidence, connection and a lasting sense of community.
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How Playground Games for Adults Created a Community
What happens when adults are given permission to play? Gareth Williams discovered that a slice of childhood can spark laughter and positive experiences of physical activity.
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Inclusion in Play
Hear from Rebecca Foster as she shares how purposeful play can help create more inclusive coaching environments. Learn practical ways to increase participation, build confidence and help every participant feel welcomed, valued and involved.
RESOURCEThe Playbook
Sign up for UK Coaching Club membership to receive our Purposeful Play Playbook.
The Playbook is a collection of games and activities created by coaches, for coaches - designed to get people moving, connecting and learning together.
Each activity can be adapted to suit different ages, abilities and environments, making it easy to use in your own sessions.