Active Kent & Medway’s Sport Welfare Officers, Rachel and Jimmy completed a successful week-long Sport Welfare on Tour at the end of September, stopping off at local sport and leisure venues across Kent and Medway to offer informal drop-in sessions for anyone involved in sport and physical activity. The aim of the tour was to connect with local clubs, coaches, volunteers and participants around the county and promote safe, positive and inclusive sport.
Over the course of the week, Rachel and Jimmy:
- Visited 8 venues
- Engaged with 20 clubs
- Connected with 814 people
- Held 33 welfare conversations
- Met 16 Club Welfare Officers and 4 Club Chairs
Throughout the tour, Jimmy and Rachel shared practical support to help create welcoming environments where everyone can enjoy sport and physical activity. They heard from adults and young people about what helps them feel safe, supported and included in sport. They also presented free Supporter Sport Welfare Kit Bags to three clubs, helping to raise the visibility of welfare information and ensure participants, parents and volunteers know where to turn to for support.
“It was fantastic to see such positive engagement from clubs and participants throughout the tour. Hearing directly from young people was particularly valuable. They shared what helps them feel safe and supported, and reinforced the importance of having trusted adults, clear communication and visible welfare support within clubs. These insights will help us continue developing the support we offer.” Rachel Daly, Sport Welfare Officer, Active Kent & Medway
“It was an excellent week, planned to perfection. There was good club engagement and some really useful youth insight. Thank you to all the venues for hosting our Tour. We couldn’t have done it without their support.” Jimmy McCormack, Sport Welfare Officer, Active Kent & Medway
The Tour took place from 28 September to 4 October 2026 and stopped off at Kingsmead Leisure Centre in Canterbury, Cozenton Park Sports Centre in Medway, The Stour Centre in Ashford, Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesend, Ramsgate Leisure Centre in Ramsgate, The Angel Centre in Tonbridge, Larkfield Leisure Centre in Larkfield and Three Hills Sports Centre in Folkestone.
If you missed the opportunity to meet Rachel and Jimmy on the tour, you can explore the resources, guidance and training opportunities available to clubs, coaches and volunteers across Kent and Medway at Sport Welfare project or contact them at sportwelfare@kent.gov.uk
