Program Framework
UTM Learn to Play - Youth program will focus on holistic development, physical literacy, and creating positive long-term relationships with sport. Youth of all ages thrive when sport environments are engaging, supportive, inclusive, and designed to meet these participants.
The program's goal is to foster physical literacy, build essential life skills, create a safe and positive environment, and inspire lifelong participation - key elements that drive long-term development and empower youth to become resilient, confident, and thriving individuals both in and beyond sport.
Core Competencies
Our Learn to Play – Youth Programs are designed in alignment with evidence-based Canadian standards, ensuring each participant benefits from a high-quality and developmentally appropriate sport experience. The Learn to Play - Youth program framework is guided by four core pillars: physical literacy, life skills development, the creation of a safe, inclusive, and positive environment, and fostering a foundation for lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.
Together, these principles support progressive skill development, enhance participant confidence, and promote overall well-being. Our programs are intentionally structured to create an engaging and supportive environment where all participants can grow, thrive, and develop a lasting appreciation for sport.
1. Physical Literacy
We teach movement before sport, focusing on broad development rather than early specialization. Ways we would introduce this is by:
- Beginning with fundamental movement skills (FMS): running, jumping, balancing, throwing, catching, striking, and agility.
- Teach skills through exploration-based learning rather than rigid technique.
- Use short, varied, high-repetition activities to reinforce learning.
- Provide simple cues ("soft hands," "quick feet," "eyes forward") to support understanding.
- Use small-sided games to increase engagement, touches, and decision-making opportunities.
- Allow multiple ways to succeed - progress skills through levels, not pressure.
2. Life Skills Development
We embed personal and social learning into every session. Approaches are as follows:
- Design activities that require teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, helping youth learn how to collaborate and support one another.
- Assign purposeful team roles (e.g., equipment leader, reset team, etc.) to build responsibility, leadership, and accountability that would differ who is doing what each week.
- Use guided discovery prompts (“What strategy worked best?”) to promote critical thinking and shared learning.
- Emphasize an ‘Effort Over Outcome’ mindset, celebrating perseverance, sportsmanship, and trying new skills—regardless of results.
- Close each session with a brief reflection, encouraging youth to recognize their progress, express gratitude, and build confidence in both sport and daily life.
3. Safe, Inclusive & Positive Environment
Youth thrive when they feel seen, supported, and safe. Approaches and how this would be implemented would be by:
- Creating clear routines, predictable structure(s), and age-appropriate boundaries.
- Use inclusive instruction: varied activity levels, multiple entry points, and modified equipment.
- Foster psychological safety: sport instructors would use positive language, model respect, and encourage peer support.
- Promote equitable participation—every child has meaningful playing time and opportunities to succeed.
- Maintain a culture of fun and belonging where youth feel confident trying new things without fear of failure.
4. Lifelong Participation
We aim to build a foundation for sustained involvement in sport and active living if it is with sport or not. We would implement this in our program by:
- Encouraging a mindset of curiosity and enjoyment over performance.
- Introduce youth to a variety of sports and movement experiences to broaden interests and reduce burnout.
- Highlight transferable skills that help children feel competent across many activities.
- Connect sport participation to well-being, friendships, and community—not just competition.
- Build positive early experiences that strengthen motivation and keep youth returning year after year.
Principles in Action: What Sessions Look Like
Each program is a 7-week program for learning about a variety of different sports. Every session follows a consistent, youth-friendly structure:
This structure allows youth to move often, practice skills in different ways, and reflect on their learning.
Our instructors:
- Maintain high engagement by circulating, offering encouragement, and recognizing small successes
- Balance movement variety, skill development, and social connection
- Use clear instruction, demonstration, guided discovery, and play-based learning
We want the experience to be where youth feel capable, confident, connected, and eager to stay active-laying the groundwork for development that lasts long beyond the program.
