This popular course trains students in years 7–10 to become role models and sports leaders. It equips them with the knowledge to plan, initiate, and adapt physical activities for their younger schoolmates while simultaneously enhancing their academic and personal skills. Upon completion of the course, participants can take on roles as coaches or instructors in schools or community sports clubs, serving as positive role models and bridging the gap between school and leisure time.
Students who express interest are encouraged to apply for the course, which consists of 20 hours of training at their own school or off-site. Fees apply, although financial support may be available in some cases.
Two models exist for delivering the course. In the first, students from schools within the same municipality can attend a course run by Danish School Sport. In the second, schools send their own teachers on a training course, where they learn to become course instructors. They are then provided with relevant course materials that enable them to deliver JUNIOR SPORTS LEADER training within their own schools.
The course includes both theoretical and practical instruction. Students gain insight into how sports clubs operate and learn to plan, initiate, and adapt physical activities to suit different age groups and ability levels. They also take part in practical exercises where they are able to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Learning such skills at an early age offers lifelong benefits. The knowledge gained can be applied at various stages of adult life, while successful participants may be inspired to pursue advanced qualifications or coaching badges, which equip them to further motivate others in the future
For such initiatives to succeed, it is essential that state education policies recognise the benefits of sport and physical activity education. Political commitment is crucial to promoting the understanding that schools provide ideal environments for formative physical activity courses, which have the potential to benefit entire communities across generations. A political agreement adopted by the Danish government in 2024 requires schools to offer subjects in Years 7–9 that promote exercise and physical activity, such as coach training, outdoor pursuits or water sports.
Read more about the JUNIOR SPORTS LEADER programme (in Danish)
