Charities and non-profit organisations working with young people through sport, movement, or outdoor learning are now invited to apply for a new funding and development opportunity, as UK Youth, in partnership with The Young Foundation and Sport England, launches the Active Futures Cohort.
This fully funded nine-month programme will support a group of practitioners to develop, test and strengthen inclusive, youth-led approaches to improving physical literacy — helping more young people build positive, lasting relationships with physical activity.
Rooted in co-design, the Active Futures Cohort will provide structured opportunities for practitioners to collaborate with peers and young people, take part in residential learning, access expert-led webinars and resources, and develop a community-based pilot project.
Successful organisations will receive a grant of £15,200 to support participation, access needs and travel costs.
“We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy equitable, joyful physical activity as a regular part of their lives. By bringing together robust evidence, practitioner expertise and—most importantly—the voices of young people themselves, we’re driving meaningful change,” said Thora Ebert, Director of Network Delivery at UK Youth.
“The Cohort will be a truly a unique space for practitioners to come together, share what works, and explore how to scale those opportunities for greater impact. We’re proud to partner with The Young Foundation and grateful to Sport England for their support in making this vital work possible.”
Each organisation will nominate one staff member to take part as a fellow. Over the course of 18 programme days, fellows will take part in development sessions including residentials at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, expert-led webinars, peer coaching, co-design workshops with young people, and time to develop and test a project in their local context.
We’re also delighted that The Young Foundation will be delivering the programme, bringing their expertise in social innovation and community-led change to support practitioners as they shape impactful, locally rooted approaches.
This opportunity also coincides with our new Active Futures Community — a free and open-access digital space where anyone working in youth, sport, or outdoor learning can continue their professional development. The Community will offer live webinars and panel discussions, curated resources, and space to connect with other practitioners and organisations. It’s a great way to keep learning, sharing, and building relationships with likeminded people — watch this space.
To be eligible for the cohort, organisations must be based in England, operate as a charity, not-for-profit or CIC, and have a proven track record of working with young people in safe, supportive environments.
The programme is open to organisations aligned with the Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England — those creating opportunities for young people to move, play and be active in ways that build skills, confidence, and enjoyment.
Applications close 11am on Thursday 25 September 2025.
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