Multiple children and young people leave school, college or university every year, some graduate on to the next level of higher education, and others begin working. However, there are still a high percentage of children and young people within the UK that are not taking their education to the next level, or gaining the opportunity to begin employment.

For research purposes this population of children and young people are categorised in to a 'NEET' demographic, NEET simply refers to all the young people that are Not in Education, Employment or Training. In 2018 it was reported that over 10% of young people aged 16-24 in the UK, were Not in Education, Employment or Training, this refers to 783,000 young people.

"It has been hard being out of education, and unable to get work as a young adult, at times you don't know who to turn to or how to start the conversation about what kind of job you would even like. After leaving school at 16 and trying multiple courses at sixth form I felt I had no opportunities ahead of me, and felt anxious about my future as I did not know what I wanted to do. I want to thank coaches of all sport and activities that offer their time and energy to young people like me, as without my coach I wouldn't have felt part of something, turning up each week to training gave me focus and being part of a community I was able to talk to people of all ages and this is helping me and my confidence. I would like to remind coaches that they offer much more than advice of how best to train to be an athlete, and that they can at times be role models and mentors to young people like me" – Amy 19, swimming participant.

"I would like to thank you for offering me the opportunity to train as a coach myself, and providing me the opportunity for something to focus on other than how I was doing at college, and whether or not I was going to be able to stay at college due to the rubbish things that were happening in my life at the time. As I was in and out of college, and I have ADHD finding boxing was really helpful and meant I had something to focus on. I never thought I would be able to coach but I loved looking after people when I had been in college so I knew I'd enjoy it if I could help others learn how to defend themselves and box too. However, as grateful as I am for the opportunity, I want to remind coaches I didn't have any experience in coaching or talking to groups of people, and that when I feel anxious sometimes it is easier to give in and not continue with this opportunity, I want to ask coaches to preserve with young coaches like me, and remember how nerve wracking it is when you haven't had all the experience of advanced coaches. Providing the opportunity for me to train as a coach is amazing, but some additional support along the way is what I need." –Sasha 17, trainee boxing coach.

Sport and Physical Activity has the potential to turn children and young people's lives around, to provide them with a glimpse of an industry they might like to work in one day, or an escapes from the daily pressure of trying to find training and development or working opportunities. From participating in sport and PA any Children and young people find belonging within a community of likeminded individuals and from this are able to feel motivated and enthusiastic about opportunities that come their way, Coaches of Herefordshire & Worcestershire are providing great opportunities for this cohort, and for this we are grateful. For those coaches that would also like to offer more opportunities for young people we encourage you to get in touch with our team! And for those young people that are currently not in education, employment or training opportunities, wondering if Sports or PA could help - get in touch with us or your local sports clubs!