Becoming a sailing instructor begins long before formal qualifications. At Oxford Sailing Training Trust (OSTT), we believe the journey should start early, through real-world coaching experience. That’s why we created the Young Leaders Programme – a unique opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills and work towards becoming future watersports coaches and sailing instructors.
Whether your child dreams of teaching sailing, windsurfing, or paddle sports, the Young Leaders Programme gives them the foundations to grow their skills, confidence, and experience on the water.
What Is the Young Leaders Programme?
Designed for young people who have already progressed through our Junior Weekend Courses, the Young Leaders Programme introduces coaching, teamwork, and leadership in a structured and supportive environment.
Participants assist qualified instructors during real sailing sessions. They learn to support beginners, lead small tasks, and understand how sessions are managed. This hands-on approach is the perfect introduction to teaching sailing and progressing towards professional instructor qualifications.
Why Future Instructors Benefit from the Young Leaders Programme
Building Essential Coaching Skills
Becoming a qualified instructor involves more than technical sailing ability. Our Young Leaders Programme focuses on developing:
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Clear and confident communication
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Group management and safety awareness
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Decision-making and problem-solving on the water
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Leadership confidence when guiding beginners
By building these essential coaching skills early, young people are better prepared for formal instructor training later.
Real Coaching Experience Before Instructor Courses
Young Leaders gain real-world coaching experience by supporting instructors during live training sessions. This practical exposure builds confidence and provides a clear understanding of what it takes to become a professional instructor.
The Pathway to Becoming a Sailing Instructor at OSTT
At Oxford Sailing Training Trust, we provide a clear, structured pathway from beginner sailor to professional instructor:
Step 1: Junior Sailing Courses Build Core Skills
Most young people start their journey with our Junior Weekend Courses, learning the core sailing skills they’ll need before moving into leadership and coaching.
Step 2: Young Leaders Programme Develops Coaching Ability
Once juniors are confident on the water, they join the Young Leaders Programme. Here, they gain leadership experience, learn session support skills, and develop an understanding of group management.
Step 3: Formal Instructor Qualifications Complete the Journey
After their Young Leaders experience, participants can move on to formal Instructor Courses, including:
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Assistant Instructor certification
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Dinghy Instructor qualification
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Specialist coaching awards, such as windsurf or paddle sports instructor
With these professional qualifications, young people can work as sailing instructors in the UK and beyond.
Why Early Coaching Experience Matters
Starting leadership development early makes a difference. Young people who experience coaching responsibilities during their teenage years often:
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Build confidence faster
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Feel comfortable speaking in front of groups
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Understand safety and session planning sooner
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Progress more naturally towards teaching roles
At OSTT, we believe that coaching and leadership skills are best learned through experience, not just theory.
What Makes OSTT the Best Place to Start Instructor Training?
Hands-On Learning
We believe that practical experience matters. The Young Leaders Programme allows juniors to assist in real sessions before formal instructor training begins, giving them valuable early experience.
Clear Progression from Student to Instructor
OSTT provides a well-defined pathway towards instructor qualifications. Our Young Leaders Programme bridges the gap between learning to sail and formal instructor training, making the process clear and achievable.
Leadership Skills for Life
Even if a participant does not pursue professional instructor qualifications, the communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills developed in the Young Leaders Programme benefit them in school, university, and future careers.
Real Stories: From Junior Sailor to Instructor
Many of OSTT’s current instructors began as junior sailors, progressing through the Young Leaders Programme before achieving professional qualifications. These real-life success stories inspire younger students to see that becoming a coach or instructor is achievable with the right support.
By offering volunteering opportunities and hands-on coaching experience, we help young people turn their passion for sailing into professional teaching opportunities.
Benefits of the Young Leaders Programme for Future Coaches
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Real experience supporting beginners during live sessions
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Leadership and teamwork development in a supportive environment
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Understanding of safety responsibilities and session management
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Progression towards professional instructor training
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Confidence to take on leadership roles both on and off the water
More Than Just Coaching: Life Skills That Last
The benefits of the Young Leaders Programme extend beyond watersports. Participants gain life skills that prepare them for future education and employment, such as:
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Confidence speaking to groups
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Decision-making under pressure
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Organising tasks and working as part of a team
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Taking responsibility for others’ safety
These skills are transferable and help young people succeed in many areas of life, whether or not they choose to pursue a career in watersports.
Is the Young Leaders Programme Right for Your Child?
The Young Leaders Programme is ideal for young people who:
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Have completed junior sailing courses
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Are interested in coaching or leadership roles
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Want to progress towards formal instructor qualifications
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Enjoy supporting others and learning through practical experience
If your child shows leadership potential or is interested in teaching sailing, this programme provides the perfect starting point.
Ready to Begin Their Coaching Journey?
Help your child take their first step towards becoming a sailing instructor with the Young Leaders Programme at Oxford Sailing Training Trust. Explore our Junior Weekend Courses to build essential skills or learn more about our Instructor Courses to complete their professional qualifications.
At OSTT, we’re proud to prepare the next generation of sailing instructors and watersports coaches through structured training, real-world experience, and supportive mentoring.
