Active Futures with Ciara

In November, Ciara had the opportunity to attend the UK Youth Active Futures Residential at their outdoor activity centre in Bournemouth. After being successful in securing a place on the Active Futures Fellowship, Ciara was invited to take part in this two-day residential experience.

The residential brought together representatives from 30 organisations across the UK who had also been selected for the fellowship. It was a great opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and learn more about the diverse work taking place nationwide to support young people through physical activity and movement.

Day one focused on getting to know one another, with icebreakers and introductions, followed by an overview of physical literacy and the terminology behind it. The group explored what physical literacy means in practice and why it is such an important concept for supporting young people’s wellbeing and development. Participants also took part in an on-site activity, with Ciara taking on the high ropes challenge—an experience that highlighted themes of teamwork, confidence, and taking positive risks.

Day two looked ahead to the next steps of the nine-month fellowship. Sessions focused on what the programme will involve and how organisations can begin to design and shape their own physical literacy programmes. Ciara spent time reflecting on what this could look like within our organisation and how we can best meet the needs of the young people we work with.

Since the residential, Ciara has continued her learning through online seminars, gaining further insight into the importance of physical literacy and movement for young people, as well as exploring ways to break down barriers and create more accessible physical literacy opportunities.