Youth Work is One of the Most Important Jobs There Is.
Behind every young person who stays out of trouble, finds their confidence, or discovers something they love, there's usually someone who showed up for them. In sports clubs, youth clubs, charities and community centres across the country, youth workers are the connectors, the mentors, the safe adults. This is a calling, not just a career, and the young people who need you most deserve professionals with the training to match their potential. The Maikai Sport Skills Academy is here to make that happen.
Millions of young people across the UK play sport every week. They deserve coaches and youth workers at their best.
Choose Your Level
All programmes are fully funded through the Growth and Skills Levy.
Start building your Youth Work skills today
Qualified youth workers are the backbone of every organisation that changes young lives. The better trained your team, the more young people you reach, the deeper the impact you make, and the stronger your organisation becomes.
- Open the door to larger grants and statutory contracts that require formally qualified staff
- Deliver better, more consistent support to the young people who need it most
- Give your team the confidence and tools to handle the most complex situations they face
- Build an organisation that funders trust, commissioners respect, and communities rely on
- Retain great people by showing them a real career pathway, not just a job
When can I start?
Next Cohort: Late 2026
Applications are open now on a rolling basis. Submit your Expression of Interest anytime and we'll respond within 5 working days to confirm your place.
Are you eligible?
If most of these sound like you, you're ready to apply.
You are a contracted member of staff working at least 16 hours per week
You have lived in England for at least 3 years and spend at least 50% of your working hours working in England.
You are enrolled on your organisation's PAYE scheme
You can commit to completing 6 hours per week of OTJ learning. What is OTJ?
You have a Manager who can support your learning while on the programme. Who can act as your Line Manager for these programmes?
Ready to take the next step?
Applications are open now. Fully funded, first-come, first-served — learning starts late 2026.
Apply Now