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Oxford Young Sport Leaders Programme
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Oxford Young Sport Leaders Programme
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Oxford Young Sport Leaders Programme
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Oxford Young Sport Leaders Programme
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Oxford Young Sport Leaders Programme
Launched in 2023, the Oxford Young Sport Leaders Programme (OYSLP) has rapidly grown into one of the University of Oxford’s most impactful community initiatives—bridging sport, education, and mentorship to inspire local young people and strengthen ties with the city.
What began as a pilot with Greyfriars School (formerly Oxford Sport Leaders Programme) has now expanded to include six Oxford state secondary schools, welcoming over 70 Year 8 pupils to participate in weekly sessions across the University. Each week combines inclusive sports such as rowing, basketball, and American football with academic workshops, mentoring from Oxford students, and lunch in one of the University’s iconic colleges.
Run by the Oxford SDG Impact Lab, the programme is designed to spark curiosity, grow confidence, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the University environment. In 2025, The Swan School, Cheney School, and Cherwell School has joined existing partners Oxford Spires Academy, The Oxford Academy, and Greyfriars School, marking a significant milestone in the programme’s reach.
This year, the OYSLP introduced a new educational framework based on the interplay of Hand, Head and Heart, developing physical skills, cognitive engagement, and emotional intelligence through every session. Whether it’s a teamwork workshop led by top Oxford researchers or an athletics session on the Bannister Mile track, every element is crafted to leave a lasting impact.
The outcomes speak for themselves. The pilot has inspired new community partnerships: Falcon Boat Club now offers rowing classes at schools, the Lancers run after-school American football clubs, and BMW Group MINI Plant Oxford supports STEM workshops using RC Vision's remote-control car platform first introduced during the inaugural programme.
Our Lab Senior Programme Manager, Oliver Cook, a former Olympian, reflected:
"One of the great strengths of the programme is seeing so many different parts of the University come together to put on an extraordinary experience for these groups of Oxford-based school children"
This programme also stands as a powerful example of SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals in action. Its success is rooted in the collaborative efforts across the University and wider community, bringing together diverse expertise, spaces, and energy to deliver something truly special for Oxford’s young people.
This year Christ Church, Trinity, and St Hilda’s Colleges have generously opened their doors to host pupils each week. On the sports side, four University teams have volunteered their time and talent the Lancers (American football), Oxford Blues basketball team, the Cross Country and Athletics Club, Oxford University Boat Club (OUBC), The Podium Institute and The Boat Race Company. Mentorship and delivery have been led by nine student members of Vincent’s Club, many of whom are sporting Blues. Academic contributions have been just as vital, with sessions run by Dr Tom Crawford, Dr Arran Davis, Dr Martha Newson, Dr Corey Crossan and the Football on the Brain team at the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
The programme’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The OYSLP has been shortlisted for the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Local Community Engagement Award recognising its outstanding contribution to youth development, educational access, and community connection.
Looking ahead, the Lab plans to run another Oxford PowerHouse Games in 2025, following the success of its inclusive sports event last year with Power2Inspire. The future of OYSLP is set to be even more ambitious, with deeper engagement, broader participation, and a shared goal of empowering every young person.
