Lead the Change - Impact report

YSF are pleased to share our first impact report on Lead the Change, a new initiative to support more ethnically diverse people into leadership roles in sport and physical activity. 

Read the report

This report details the process and celebrates the progress of those taking part, with the applications for second round opening soon.  

In February 2025 nineteen people became first cohort designed to put them in a stronger position to take on leadership roles.  

Workshops included sporting systems and structures in the UK; developing a personal plan to support aspirations; and the knowledge and insights needed for Non-Executive Director roles within sports organisations. 

Lead the change was co-created in partnership with Yorkshire Cricket Board and West Riding County FA, with support from a consortium consisting of Sporting Equals, AKD Solutions, and Equity Coach.  

Alongside the training for individuals, an anti-racism workshop for leaders within organisations was put on to help them be better placed to attract applications from people with a diverse ethnic background. 
 
Find full details of Lead the Change, applications for the next cohort open soon 

Carl Hawkes YSF CEO said: At YSF, everything we do is driven by a commitment to tackle inequalities. Lead the Change directly confronts the sector's challenge of underrepresentation at the top. We're not waiting for change—our first cohort is actively driving it, with several participants already taking up new leadership positions.