SAYLS

19/01/2026

18/01/2026

So that’s a wrap for the . What a week it has been! I’m sure I speak on behalf of all the young leaders that we are incredibly fortunate and grateful to be apart of this volunteering experience. Our leaders have given up many hours this week to support the event, serving the people of Sheffield and beyond, adding positivity to everybody’s experience.

We are sad to see the event close but all good things must come to the end so we can relish the memories created. Our leaders will also leave with an experience that will aid their professional journey, learning from the skills of the team of volunteers and wider workforce.

Thank you so much to all the governing bodies that made this opportunity possible for us.


ISU Figure Skating

MLS Contracts

The future of sport in Sheffield will be in good hands for years to come.

17/01/2026

Your leadership success boils down to one fundamental truth:

(I learned this the hard way, through many mistakes.)

Technical expertise alone won’t cut it.

I watch brilliant leaders trip over this all the time.

The unfiltered truth?

It’s the so-called “soft” skills, like these 7,
that truly define your success:

1. Self-Awareness
↳ Understand your triggers, blind spots, and default reactions.
↳ Your team sees everything, especially what you try to conceal.

2. Communication
↳ Clarity beats cleverness, always.
↳ The best messages are no good if your team doesn’t grasp them.

3. Decision-Making
↳ Overanalyzing stalls progress.
↳ Make the call, own the outcome, adjust as needed.

4. Resilience
↳ Leadership isn’t about escaping storms.
↳ It’s about being the steady force that guides your team through them.

5. Empowerment
↳ Your role isn’t to be the smartest person in the room.
↳ It’s to cultivate an environment where smart people can thrive.

6. Adaptability
↳ The market doesn’t care about your five-year plan.
↳ Show your team how to embrace uncertainty.

7. Integrity
↳ Your actions speak louder than your words.
↳ Trust is built in drops and lost in buckets.

Here’s the bottom line:

You can learn strategy from books.
You can borrow systems from others.

But these skills?
They’re developed through real-world practice.

15/01/2026

We have concluded day 2 of our volunteering at the for the incredible . The competitors have been spectacular and our young leaders are matching the energy in the fan zones.

It’s been brilliant so far to see schools and pupils from the city recognising and engaging with the young leaders throughout the day.

Huge thank you to Firvale, , for your incredible support so far!

And thank you to and Major Events Team for creating the opportunities for us so far. We are having the best time

We can’t wait to get back at it again tomorrow for day 3

10/01/2026

17/12/2025

16/12/2025

Today we have been at and Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. It marks the first official training day for the SAYLS leaders as they start their Level 2 Sports Leaders Qualification.

In addition, the leaders have completed their first aid certification and had the special opportunity to explore all the research and work that goes in to testing cardio vascular endurance, understanding VO2 Max, how this is monitored and linked these to physical conditions that can affect fitness levels.

Massive thank you to Emily and the team from AWRC for their brilliant workshop and their support today. Also to A & D First Aid Training for an engaging practical deliver to learning CPR, using a defibrillator and recovery positioning.

Sponsor:

Our leading partner for all your PE and school sport needs. For over 60 years, Davies Sports has been helping schools, colleges, universities, leisure centres and grassroots clubs make sport and PE a cherished part of people’s lives.

Please reach out to them with any of your enquiries and they’ll support you in every way possible.

15/12/2025

🏊‍♂️ What a brilliant National Winter Championships! 🏆

An outstanding few days celebrating competitive swimming at its very best. The atmosphere, organisation and quality of racing were a real credit to everyone involved.

A huge shoutout must go to the SAYLS Sports Leaders, who were absolutely exceptional in their volunteer roles throughout the event. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to support wherever needed made a genuine difference to the smooth running of the championships. They should be incredibly proud of the contribution they made.

Thank you also to the Swim England team, who were consistently accommodating, supportive and a pleasure to work alongside. Their leadership and collaboration helped create such a positive experience for athletes, volunteers and staff alike.

🙏 With thanks to our sponsor –
Davies Sports proudly sponsor the SAYLS programme, helping to create opportunities for young leaders to develop skills, confidence and real-world experience through sport.

Davies Sports support schools by providing:
• High-quality PE and sports equipment
• Expert advice on curriculum delivery and physical activity
• Practical solutions that help schools engage more young people in sport

Their ongoing support plays a key role in strengthening school sport and leadership pathways.

👏 A fantastic event, made possible by great people, strong partnerships and a shared passion for sport.

23/10/2025

23/10/2025

What a fantastic day at for the SEND Legacy Ice Skating and Curling Day! Over 230 children from primary and secondary schools enjoyed activities on the ice, and we felt privileged to help create lifelong memories for them.

We're already looking forward to our next event on the ice - the in January. We hope to see schools and families there again!

Keep your eyes in the news! You might see some of our fantastic leaders on the TV 👀📺

20/10/2025