Sporting Linx
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Sporting Linx Leadership Program
Sporting Linx is a medium-long term biopsychosocial program designed by STARTTS staff and implemented in Western Sydney schools since 2011. Sporting Linx that utilizes sport as a vehicle to supporting young people disengaged and demotivated at school.
It was designed as a sports-based tool to ‘link’ young people with their leadership potential. A major focus of the program is to introduce the concept of ‘leadership’ and self-responsibility, and support young people with opportunities to develop and use their potential.
Why do we run Sporting Linx? To…
- Support emotional literacy
- Enhance goal-setting and planning skills
- Strengthen communication skills
- Improve understanding of healthy lifestyle choices
- Increase teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Enhance confidence and self-esteem
- Improve school engagement and motivation
- Boost leadership of self and others
What do we talk about in Sporting Linx?
- Goal Setting
- Communication
- Looking After Yourself (Diet and Hygiene)
- Sporting Psychology
- Managing Emotions
- Types of Leadership
- Choices and Values
- Teamwork
- Positioning for Leadership
What is the Sporting Linx Gala Day?
The skills developed through the Sporting Linx program are demonstrated by participating young people through a full-day Gala Day that they are tasked to organise for younger students at their school, or students from a nearby primary school.
After two terms of sessions, young people plan drills, activities and games using the chosen sport as a vehicle to share knowledge and build the skills of other students.
Other Details
Target Group: Secondary Students, aged 13-15 years (typically Year 8/9)
Program Delivery:
2-2.5 school terms, 80-120 minute weekly sessions. Final 6 weeks contribute to planning a Gala Day.
Requirement:
A classroom and a sport field or court
Designed by:
STARTTS staff in collaboration with young people
Maximum no. of participants:
15-25 per group
Arabic speakers, learn more about the Sporting Linx program facilitated by the Youth Team at Bossley Park High School…
Inside Scoop
What have young people said about Sporting Linx?
“What did you learn from being part of the Sporting Linx program?”
Deal with anger better (Use the breath in and out strategy).
When someone doesn’t respect my opinion I get angry, but I can better contain my anger.
Before I didn’t play soccer, now I Joined on Fridays (youth centre) and I play.
Coping strategies for anger- ignore or forget. Take a moment alone.
We did not know how to lead before. They teach us.
We were playing and getting angry, now we just play for fun.
It’s important for you to be healthy.
“Thank you so much for an amazing year, it was very fun doing exercises, playing and trying out new games. I’m beyond thankful for you guys taking me out of boring lessons and making them fun. I’m also thankful for you guys teaching me how to be a leader and a good role model”
Young person attending the Sporting Linx program, 2025