Finding Confidence Through Sport: Maia’s Story

For many young people, confidence through sport can mean much more than staying active. Sport can create opportunities, help young people step outside their comfort zones and open doors to a future they may never have imagined. It can build confidence, create opportunities and open doors to a future they never imagined.

For Maia, that journey started when she was just 14 years old. What began as a role supporting holiday activity camps has grown into a career helping young people discover their own confidence through sport and physical activity.

Today, Maia is completing a Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer apprenticeship through Coach Core with South Coast Sports. But her journey has been shaped by experiences that many young people will relate to.

From Sports Leader to Apprentice 

Maia first joined South Coast Sports as a Sports Leader, supporting the organisation’s Holiday Heroes Activity Camps during school holidays and half term breaks. It was during this time that she discovered a passion for working with young people and creating positive experiences through sport.  

“I’ve been working with South Coast Sports since Iwas 14. During school holidays and half terms, I worked as a Sports Leader on the Holiday Heroes Activity Camps, and that’s where my passion for working with young people really started.”  

As she became more involved, an apprenticeship felt like the natural next step. It gave her the opportunity to continue learning while gaining hands on experience across different areas of the sport and health sector.

Turning Personal Experience Into Positive Change 

Before starting her apprenticeship, Maia enjoyed taking part in sport but often struggled with confidence. Her experience shows how confidence through sport can start with small steps, encouragement and opportunities to try something new.

Like many young people, she was hesitant to put herself forward or join clubs, even when she wanted to.

Now, those experiences help her connect with the young people she supports every day.  

“When I was at school, I loved sport, but I was always too shy to join clubs or put myself out there. Because of that, I really encourage the young people I work with to give things a go and step outside their comfort zones. I want them to have opportunities that maybe I was too nervous to take myself.”  

Understanding those challenges firsthand means Maia can support young people who may be feeling uncertain or lacking confidence. She knows what it feels like to be on the sidelines and is passionate about helping others take that first step. 

Looking Ahead 

“If I can help even one young person feel more confident or encourage them to try something new, then that’s a huge achievement for me.” 

Looking back, it’s hard to imagine that the same young person who once felt too shy to join clubs or put herself forward is now helping others find the confidence to take their own first steps. 

Through her apprenticeship, Maia has developed new skills, gained experience across the sector and discovered a career that allows her to make a genuine difference. Whether she’s delivering sessions, supporting projects or encouraging a young person to believe in themselves, she brings the understanding that comes from having been in their shoes. 

For Maia, success is not just about where her apprenticeship will take her next. It’s about the impact she can have on the young people she meets along the way, helping them realise that they are capable of more than they might think. 

Maia’s journey is a reminder that confidence through sport is not just about what happens on the pitch. It is also about helping young people believe in themselves and feel ready to take their next step.

Learning Every Day 

One year into her apprenticeship, Maia has already gained experience across coaching, project delivery, community engagement and programme planning. 

From delivering sessions and speaking with parents to supporting projects and working alongside partner organisations, every day presents a new opportunity to learn.  

“Through my company and Coach Core, I’ve been introduced to several different areas of the industry. I’m learning so much, whether that’s coaching and planning sessions, setting up projects, understanding the admin side of things, talking to parents, or working with other organisations.”  

The variety of experiences has helped Maia develop both professionally and personally, giving her a broader understanding of how sport can make a difference within communities.  

“I honestly feel that I couldn’t be more involved if I tried. Every week I’m learning something new and gaining experience from different areas of the organisation.