#PlayItForward: Celebrate UK Coaching Week 2026 Through the Power of Play
News by UK Coaching
Join UK Coaching Week 2026 and #PlayItForward – celebrating the power of purposeful play in coaching.
UK Coaching Week 2026 is here – and this year, we’re celebrating the power of purposeful play.
From 22–28 June, coaches, organisations and communities across the UK come together to explore how play can unlock learning, creativity and connection for people of all ages and abilities.
Play might be most associated with children, but we've found its impact reaches far beyond the playground.
When you first think of play, you think of children, don't you?
Jon Norfolk Head Coach, GB Cycling
Rediscovering the power of play
When we think about play, it’s easy to picture young people experimenting, having fun and learning through experience. But as we develop – and as coaching becomes more structured – that sense of play can begin to fade.
GB Cycling Head Coach Jon Norfolk recognises this shift:
"When you first think of play, you think of children, don't you? … As the older you get, or the more you improve in a sport, play gets reduced and more skills and drills and technical coaching [increase]. The play disappears…"
But this isn’t how development is meant to work.
Purposeful play is a vital part of performance and skill acquisition.
It helps participants explore, adapt and build the confidence to try something new.
There's a temptation as the more you improve in a sport, play gets reduced and technical drills [increase].
Jon Norfolk Head Coach, GB Cycling
It keeps sessions engaging and meaningful. And, crucially, it helps people stay involved for longer.
That’s why this year’s theme is all about putting play back where it belongs: at the heart of coaching.
Where learning really happens
At its best, coaching creates the space for people to think, experiment and solve problems. And that’s exactly where play comes into its own.
Jon explains:
"When you start to break things down too much into their components, you take out the bit, which is what really good people are good at, which is discovering new ways of doing things, experimenting with stuff. And solving problems.
"They're all components of play."
These moments are often the difference makers. They’re where participants develop creativity, decision-making skills and a deeper understanding of what they’re doing.
As a coach, it’s worth asking yourself:
- Are your sessions creating opportunities for exploration?
- Are participants enjoying the experience?
- Would they want to come back?
As Jon says:
"I do reflect on sessions that I've been involved in as an athlete, I've created as a coach, or I've observed with other coaches going, 'Is that fun? Would I want to do that again? And have I had a good time with the time I've spent this afternoon?'"
Don't make enjoyment a bonus – make it essential.
Play is for everyone
One of the biggest opportunities in coaching today is reframing what we mean by play.
Too often, it’s seen as something reserved for children or beginners. But in reality, play exists at every level – from grassroots sessions to high-performance sport.
Across the country, we’re seeing more examples of this in action. Whether it’s a parkrun on a Saturday morning or a social game of padel, people are coming together in environments that are enjoyable, inclusive and flexible.
"They’re fun environments, you go and have fun," Jon says. "There's a sense of community. Everyone's there for really different reasons…"
This is purposeful play in action: creating spaces where people feel welcome, motivated and connected.
Is that fun? Would I want to do that again?
Jon Norfolk Head Coach, GB Cycling
A week to celebrate – and take action
UK Coaching Week is a chance to recognise the incredible work coaches do every day – and to share ideas that can inspire others.
This year, we’re inviting you to #PlayItForward.
That could mean sharing a game or activity you love using in your sessions, reflecting on what makes your coaching enjoyable, or celebrating the people who have shaped your journey. Across the week, coaches and organisations will be sharing ideas, stories and insights – with contributions helping to build a practical Playbook of activities that others can learn from.
Shaping the future of coaching
UK Coaching Week also connects with a wider moment for the coaching community.
During the week, the UK Coaching Conference and Play Their Way Summit return, bringing together coaches, leaders and innovators to explore the future of coaching and how we can create environments where everyone can thrive.
Across two days, conversations will focus on the challenges facing the sector, the opportunities ahead and the practical actions needed to move forward together.
Your role this UK Coaching Week
Whether you’re a coach, organisation, participant or supporter, you have a role to play.
You can:
- Share a game or activity that brings your sessions to life on social media using #PlayItForward
- Try something new and introduce more play into your coaching
- Celebrate the coaches who make a difference
- Reflect on how you create positive, meaningful experiences
Because great coaching doesn’t just develop skills. It builds confidence, creates connections and helps people enjoy being active for life.
Play isn’t a distraction from that.
It’s what makes it possible.