DiSE Community of Practice Brings Workforce Together for Collaboration and Innovation

Photo Credit: UK Coaching

The event brought together practitioners, educators and partners from across the country to connect, collaborate and share ideas, with a strong focus on enhancing DiSE delivery and rethinking assessment to better support young athletes. 

With a core focus on exploring the best ways to deliver and rethinking assessment, the gathering highlighted fresh, inclusive approaches designed to elevate the DiSE experience for every young athlete involved.  

Highlighting the importance of the day, Kate Peckham, UK Coaching’s Senior Partnership Development Manager, said: 

“Everyone who's historically been involved in the DiSE programme in partnership with SportsAid and UK Coaching is here to connect.  

“It’s about how we can create a sense of belonging and continue collaborating and working together for the betterment of our young athletes.”   

SportsAid’s CEO Tim Lawler delivered inspiring remarks throughout the day, offering reflections on the power of the DiSE community and the importance of nurturing athlete development.  

He also led the on-stage interview with three former and present DiSE athletes offering insight and bringing their stories to life, highlighting the impact the programme has had on each of them.  

Athlete voices were a key feature of the event, with former DiSE student Joe Peel from Joe Gallagher’s Boxing Academy encouraging future participants, saying: 

“I’d say get yourself down because it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.” 

Former DiSE athlete and 2017 World Championships semi-finalist in the 400m hurdles, Jess Turner, reflected on the sense of connection the programme provided: 

“It really brought me out of my shell a bit more… just being around athletes with the same goals and the same ambition made such a difference.” 

Across the day, workforce members took part in interactive sessions exploring teaching, learning and assessment practice, including innovative delivery methods, holistic approaches to development and opportunities to collaborate across centres. 

Reflecting on the value of sharing practice across sports, current DiSE athlete Charlie Brennan, who is completing the cycling DiSE programme at SGS College, said: 

“It just widens my knowledge of how different sports and different teams of people work together to help their athletes all around the country.” 

The event also featured short Learning Lounge discussions and lightning talks showcasing innovative practice from across the DiSE network, offering practical ideas that delegates could take back into their own delivery. 

The day closed with a strong sense of shared purpose and momentum, as SportsAid and UK Coaching look ahead to continuing the DiSE Community of Practice, supporting a connected, collaborative workforce committed to helping young athletes thrive both in sport and beyond.