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External Service Providers – Impact Story
Liam Dart owns his own coaching company, LJD Coaching, which is on the Devon/Cornwall boarder. LJD Coaching was an early engager of Unleash Your Drive, and started delivery early in 2024. We caught up with him to discuss his early experiences with the programme, and to ask him for his advice to other External Service Providers.
1. Hi Liam! Can you start by telling us about your role and how you became involved with the Unleash Your Drive programme?
I run my own PE and School Sport coaching and consultancy business, LJD Coaching Limited. My company collaborates with schools to enhance their PE curriculum, School Sport, and Physical Activity offer by providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for staff and engaging pupils in new and exciting physical activities.
The Unleash Your Drive programme caught my attention because it aligns perfectly with my mission to introduce innovative activities that enrich pupils’ sporting experiences. By integrating it into our offerings, we could not only teach a new skill but also build a lasting connection with a sport that students might not have previously considered.
2. How did you deliver the Unleash Your Drive programme? Could you walk us through your approach and any unique methods you used?
We implemented the programme in two schools within the same Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Initially, we utilised the resources provided to one school, delivering sessions during curriculum time alongside teachers and pupils. Additionally, we organised after-school clubs for interested students from KS1 and KS2.
After six weeks, we partnered with the local golf club to expand the programme. Collaborating with the club’s assistant pro, we offered after-school sessions on the driving range and putting greens specifically for KS2 pupils.
To cap off the programme, we organised a KS1 and KS2 golf festival at the club during the summer. This community-focused event provided a platform to celebrate the students’ achievements while involving parents, teachers, and club members.
3. What were the standout moments or highlights for you while delivering the programme?
The most rewarding highlight was seeing the enthusiasm and engagement of pupils across all key stages. Their excitement was infectious, especially as they began to show genuine improvement in their golfing skills.
Another standout moment was witnessing a tangible impact: several pupils transitioned from school-based participation to attending the golf club’s Saturday morning lessons, with some even joining the junior section. Watching students become active members of a local sports club was incredibly fulfilling.
4. Which mental toughness tool was your favourite to deliver, and why? How did the children respond to it?
One of my favourite tools to deliver was FOCUS. The programme emphasises mental toughness by teaching students to stay calm under pressure, using the breathing techniques, and how to bounce back from setbacks, skills that are crucial both in sports and in life.
The children particularly embraced the tools during putting drills, where precision and patience were essential. It was inspiring to see their confidence grow as they applied these skills and improved over the sessions.
5. You’ve had success linking school activities to the local golf club. Can you share how you achieved this?
The transition from school-based delivery to the local golf club was pivotal. After the initial six weeks of school-based lessons, we worked with the assistant pro at the local golf club to host after-school sessions for KS2 pupils. These sessions took place on the driving range and putting greens, providing a professional environment that further ignited students’ passion for golf.
To strengthen this connection, we organised a summer golf festival at the club for KS1 and KS2 pupils, involving parents, teachers, and club members. This seamless integration ensured a smooth pathway for pupils to continue their golf journey.
6. How many children are continuing to play golf as a result of participating in Unleash Your Drive? What factors do you think contributed to this continued involvement?
Currently, 18 pupils regularly play at the golf club, with others reportedly playing casually with their families. The structured pathway from school delivery to club sessions was a key factor in maintaining their interest.
Introducing golf in a familiar school setting and gradually transitioning to the golf club made the experience more inviting. Furthermore, the affordability of the Saturday morning group lessons – just £3 an hour – helped eliminate financial barriers for families.
7. What are your future plans for Unleash Your Drive?
I plan to expand the programme into more schools as they receive their kits, building on the successes we’ve already achieved. Participating schools now include golf in their curriculum and offer it as an annual after-school club—both at school and at the golf club. My ultimate goal is to replicate this model in other schools, ensuring that even more pupils have the opportunity to discover and engage with golf.
8. How has the programme impacted the broader community, and what feedback have you received from parents and teachers?
The programme has had a noticeable impact on the community by demystifying golf and making it accessible to children from all backgrounds.
Teachers expressed gratitude for the training and confidence they gained to deliver golf lessons independently. Parents appreciated the introduction of a unique sport and the affordable opportunities it provides. Many were pleasantly surprised by the low cost of the Saturday sessions, which helped to challenge the perception of golf as an elitist sport.
9. What advice would you give to other coaches or educators looking to implement Unleash Your Drive in their schools or clubs?
By following these steps, you can successfully implement Unleash Your Drive and create a lasting impact in your community.