Sport for Development is something that is deemed essential when working internationally, as sport is the medium through which so many messages can be carried. Leadership; values; empowerment; roles and responsibilities; inclusion; competition; methodical preparation, even strategy. All can be carried through the wonderful medium of sport, and the examples can be delivered in the short, medium and long term.

One of the interesting factors in working internationally is the influence of culture on all of the above. I am in Ethiopia at the moment, and trying to get Ethiopians to explain why they are good at something and how they have developed can be difficult, as there seems to be a deep underlying strand of humility in their cultural form of expression. Sometimes I feel we should be learning from the very people we are trying to influence! I’m not sure the reciprocity of development is always emphasised enough?

Sport for development is also used within the UK, but it isn’t always given that title. The work of the Youth Sport Trust is promoting leadership in young people is absolutely outstanding and it has to be world leading and absolutely world class provision. From very young people leading activity in the playground to national conferences with outstanding young role models in coaching, officiating and performing. The Youth Sport Trust embeds the development leadership by young people at its very core.

Most sport has an inherent aspect of development … The debate to be had is whether development should always be its main focus?