On this page
Our offer
Leaders working in the sport and physical activity sector want to make a difference, but we still have some big challenges to overcome. We know we’re stronger when we support each other and work to address them together.
Tackling inequalities takes time, commitment and determination. It can feel complex and uncertain, with wider variables and systems in play, meaning outcomes, however well intended, can be unpredictable.
We’ve heard from leaders across the sector that their roles can feel lonely and isolating at times, and that they sometimes feel stuck with leadership challenges, especially when working to tackle inequalities.
Available for system partners
Our coaching and mentoring offers are designed to support individuals, teams and groups. They’re fully funded by The National Lottery and available for leaders and board members of Sport England system partner organisations. You can check if your organisation is a system partner through the link below.
Our coaches and mentors are carefully selected for their knowledge, expertise and experience. They work to support leaders through a journey of growth and self-development, helping them to amass new skills, build fresh perspectives and enhance their confidence. Our sessions provide a safe space and the time to think through and explore the best ways of tackling the challenges they’re facing.
Leaders at all levels are welcome to apply, you don’t need a leadership label in your job title to be leading and influencing change in your organisation.
Being a leader isn’t determined by job titles or seniority
It’s about wanting to make a difference, creating change and opening up opportunities for more people to live active lives. If you work to tackle these inequalities, or you support the people that do, then you're part of ‘Leading the Movement’.
We know from experience that coaching and mentoring can be game changing for leaders and their teams, organisations, partners and the communities they serve.
Choosing the right support
Different levels and types of support will suit different leaders.
The table below outlines some of the key differences between coaching and mentoring to help you identify the best fit for you and your team. There are also some guiding questions to help you decide. If you’re still unsure, please contact us at leadingthemovement@sportengland.org.
Coaching |
Mentoring |
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An experienced coach will build trust and understanding to meet the leader’s needs. |
The mentoring relationship develops a trusted, professional relationship and opens up further connections. |
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Provides a safe, independent and confidential space for discussion and reflection. |
Mentors share their knowledge, lived experiences and expertise to help a mentee tackle their leadership challenge. |
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Coaches will ask thought-provoking questions to help the leaders find the best ideas or solutions to their challenges. |
Offers support during mentoring that enhances resilience and coping strategies for the mentee. |
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A coach will help leaders work through their challenge whilst developing themselves. |
Mentoring can facilitate cross-cultural understanding and awareness for both parties. |
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Coaches are out of sector senior leaders and specialists who can bring deep expertise and experience to leaders within the sector. |
Mentors are from within the sector, they have committed to sharing their experience with other leaders, helping to spread and deepen knowledge and learning within the sector about tackling inequalities. |
Consider the questions below to identify the best course of action for you or your team.
What are your goals?
- Are you seeking support to achieve a specific professional or personal goal? Coaching is the best for you.
- Are you looking for guidance from someone with more experience to help navigate your career or personal growth? Mentoring is most appropriate.
What kind of support do you need?
- Do you require short-term, goal-oriented support with accountability and measurable outcomes? Try coaching.
- Are you interested in long-term career development, advice and wisdom from a more seasoned professional? Mentoring is your best route.
What do you want from the relationship?
- Are you seeking a more formal and structured process with a professional dedicated to helping you meet define objectives? Coaching is most appropriate.
- Do you desire a long-term, informal relationship with someone who can offer career guidance and personal insights? This is the nature of mentoring.
Where are you in your career?
- Are you at a transitional point of facing and specific challenge that requires focused, structured guidance? A coach can help.
- Are you early in your career or facing complex professional decisions where insight from someone with grater experience could be valuable? A mentor is best placed to support you.
How do you prefer to learn and grow?
- Do you thrive on structured sessions, clear action plans, with space to reflect and find your own solutions with frequent feedback? Try coaching.
- Do you value storytelling, hearing about personal experience and advice that comes from someone who has been through similar situations? Consider mentoring.
What level of responsibility works best for you?
- Do you prefer a relationship with clear actions that are designed to help you achieved your goals and challenges? Coaching is most suitable.
- Are you comfortable with a more fluid arrangement where you take responsibility for undertaking any actions that arise from your conversations? This is a mentoring approach.
The most appropriate support for you may change over time, so we encourage you to revisit this page occasionally and consider the questions below to identify how Leading the Movement can best help you.
Coaching and mentoring opportunities will be continually open until March 2029, meaning if individuals don’t have capacity now, they won’t miss out as this is not a limited, time restricted opportunity!
Coaching programme
Our coaching programme provides a safe confidential space for leaders and teams to work out the best solutions for them while supporting their growth and development. Find out more below.
Mentoring programme
Supported by mentors with lived experience and expertise, our mentoring offer is for self-motivated leaders who value coming together to share their challenges, experiences, knowledge and expertise. Find out more below.
Feedback so far has shown that leaders who are new in role, new into the sector or looking to grow their professional networks around their challenge, have found mentoring particularly impactful.
For example, we have had a number of leaders specifically looking to tackle inequalities faced by women and girls in the sport sector come together through their mentoring sessions.
Coming soon
We’re continually looking for new and powerful ways to support our community of leaders. We’ll promote new opportunities on this page and through our homepage. We’re excited to be launching two new offers in Summer 2025.
Group Mentoring
Mutual Mentoring
Further resources
Whilst we have eligibility criteria for our coaching and mentoring offers, there’s a whole host of supporting resources and other coaching and mentoring opportunities we’d encourage all leaders to explore.