Play Their Way

Youth coaching support with articles, events and the Joy AI assistant.

Play Their Way is the official app, created to champion child-first coaching and transform how children experience sport and physical activity. Whether you’re a coach, parent, volunteer, or organisation, the app brings learning, support, and inspiration directly into your hands.

Built around the principles of Voice, Choice, and Journey - each linked to key articles in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - Play Their Way helps you create safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where every child can thrive.

Key Features

App-Exclusive Articles: Access practical guidance, expert insights, and real stories that help you apply child-first coaching in everyday sessions. New articles are added regularly - available only in the app.

Upcoming Events: Be the first to know about child-first workshops, webinars, and community events. Turn on notifications so you never miss an opportunity to learn or connect.

Meet Joy - Your AI Child-First Coaching Assistant: Ask questions, get tailored guidance, and receive instant support from Joy, an innovative AI assistant built on a dedicated child-first coaching knowledge base. Whether you need session ideas, help with challenges, or advice on best practice, Joy is ready to support you anytime.

Smart Notifications: Stay updated with new articles, events, rewards, and personal progress - keeping your child-first journey on track.

Badge Rewards: Grow your collection of digital badges as you learn, reflect, and engage. A fun way to celebrate your progress and commitment to child-first coaching.

Record Streaks: Track your activity and build positive habits with streaks that show your consistency over time.

One Account, Two Platforms: Sign in seamlessly across both the mobile app and the www.PlayTheirWay.org website with a single account.

What Is Child-First Coaching? Child-first coaching places the needs, rights, motivations, and experiences of children at the heart of every decision. It centres on three core principles inspired by the UNCRC:

Voice → Right to be heard (Article 12) Children are experts in their own experiences. We encourage coaches to listen, involve children in decisions, and value their perspectives.

Choice → Right to play (Article 31) Children flourish when they are given the freedom to explore, choose, and play in ways that feel meaningful and fun.

Journey → Right to develop (Article 6) Every child grows at their own pace. Coaching should support their whole-person development - not just performance or outcomes.

By embedding these rights into coaching practice, Play Their Way empowers adults to create joyful, inclusive, and developmentally rich environments where every child can feel confident and motivated.

Join the Movement Play Their Way isn’t just an app - it’s a growing grassroots movement committed to transforming children’s lives through child-first coaching. Download today and become part of a community creating better experiences in physical activity and sport for every child.