Taster traders
You’ll need
- Assorted sports equipment
Planning your visit
- Invite a local sportsperson or club into your group to give a demonstration or run a taster session.
Clubs for all different sports can be found here. Further information on how to run different sports and activities can be found on our A-Z. If your chosen sport or activity isn’t listed, refer to the ‘Other activities’ section for further guidance.
- Give the visitor plenty of notice and check if they have any accessibility or travels needs (such as public transport information or a parking space).
- Discuss with the visitor how you can support the session by providing a suitable space, equipment and time.
You should discuss the content of the session with the visitor(s) to make sure all parents/carers would be happy for the group members to take part in and to make sure any accessibility needs of group members are catered for.
- Get in touch the day before the visit to make sure everything is still in place.
- Have your group agree on their favourite game that they have played as a group and nominate some group members to explain the game to the visitor(s).
One for you, one for me
- Once your visitor has arrived and settled in, take part in a taster session they provide.
The session could involve playing the sport, receiving coaching from the visitor or asking them questions. If taking part in a sport or physical activity, make sure there’s an appropriate warm-up included.
- After the taster session, have your nominated group member explain your chosen game to the visitor so they can play it with you.
You may wish to run your activity before the taster session to act as an ice-breaker with the visitor(s).
- Ask the visitor(s) to share with the group how they can get involved in the sport or activity locally if they’re interested in taking it further.
Reflection
Why do we enjoy playing sports? Everyone probably has different reasons so asking your group to discuss these might help them understand more about why people play sports or what motivates their fellow group members which in turn could make them more supportive and better team members. Are there any qualities that make someone naturally better at sports? The science says probably not, however your group members may think of qualities which might help you be a better sports person.
Safety
All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.
- Active games
The game area should be free of hazards. Explain the rules of the game clearly and have a clear way to communicate that the game must stop when needed. Take a look at our guidance on running active games safely.
As an expert in their sport your visitor is likely to know ways to make their sport more or less difficult. When you are choosing your game to teach the visitor try to think of ways that you could make it more or less difficult depending on how the group perform.
When choosing who to invite into your group take into account any accessibility needs of your group members as well as that of your guests. Get in touch early to make sure the session works for you and your group.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
Support your young people to take up other regular sports by signposting them to clubs and opportunities in your area - make sure to do this in discussion with their parents. Any Scouts who follow sport but don't take part regularly could also look into the Sports Enthusiast badge.
Encourage participants to think of questions that they can ask the visitor, they may want to ask lots of different things. They should also work together to choose the game that they want to teach the visitor, they could vote on the game so that everyone has input.