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Girls in a Sports Practice

Welcome to BL Sports, where our primary goal is to enhance opportunities for all students to engage in sports. Focused on fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers, we are dedicated to creating a level playing field for every child. Our four pillars of success, Sports and Fitness Education, Career Development, Fun and Active Learning, and Cultural Immersion and Friendship, form the framework through which we aim to amplify access to sports for every child. Join us in our commitment to providing all children the chance to experience the numerous benefits of sports, both physically and mentally.

Benjamin Linklater

Benjamin Linklater

Founder and Director, BL Sports

Hello everyone,

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I'm Benjamin Linklater, the founder and Director of BL Sports, and I'm excited to share a bit about my journey with you.

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From my early days competing in numerous sports competitively to my current role as a passionate sports enthusiast, coach, and primary school teacher in London, sports and education have been at the core of my life.

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During my time as a coach and Physical Education teacher, I have witnessed first hand the dwindling support and funding for PE in schools. Seeing the diminishing emphasis on physical activity in the curriculum, I recognised the pivotal role sports play not only in physical health but also in mental and social well-being. This realization led me to establish BL Sports, driven by a mission to ensure that every child, especially those in need, has access to the manifold benefits of sports. Reflecting on my personal journey in sports, filled with cherished memories of school teams and tournaments, I am inspired to offer similar experiences to today's youth.

 

About fifteen years ago, my path led me to become an activity leader at a summer camp—a role that ignited my passion for the industry. Over the years, I progressed from an activity manager to the director of the Manchester City football academy. During my tenure at the football academy, I discovered the intersection of high-level sports coaching and language learning. This revelation prompted me to explore similar avenues abroad, leading to the establishment of my own company in Spain, where I taught padel in English. The positive impact I witnessed solidified my belief in using sports and enjoyment as educational tools.

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Now, this journey has brought us to an exciting collaboration with Emerald Cultural Institute. Serving as the Centre Director for Emerald in Rose Bruford last summer, I'm thrilled to announce our partnership for the summer 2024 course at Cobham Hall. This collaboration marks a significant step in our mission to deliver exceptional summer camps that seamlessly blend sports, English, and cultural experiences.

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As we embark on this journey, my hope is that BL Sports becomes a source of joy and well-being for thousands of students. Join us this summer as we kick off what promises to be an incredible adventure, nurturing young minds through the joy of sports and the power of education.

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Looking forward to a fantastic summer and future together.

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Best,

Benjamin Linklater

Cobham Hall

Residential

Schools

Image by Jannes Glas

We strive to kindle a passion for sports, fitness, and nutrition in young students. By harmoniously blending learning and physical activity, our programs aim to instil a lifelong appreciation for a healthy  and active lifestyle.

Sports and Fitness Education

Winning team

Learning should be enjoyable, and we ensure that students have the time of their lives. Our educational approach revolves around fun activities, keeping students active and engaged. We aim to make the learning experience memorable, impactful, and, above all, enjoyable.

Fun and Active Learning

Image by Vasily Koloda

We guide students to introspectively understand their strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and aspirations. Our programs provide invaluable insights into the diverse career opportunities within the sporting world, empowering students to leave with a clear plan for their future.

Career Development

Image by Duy Pham

We take pride in fostering global friendships and cultural understanding. Welcoming students from around the world to learn alongside British students, we provide an inclusive  environment where diverse cultures converge. Students have the opportunity to make lifelong connections.

Cultural Immersion and Friendship

Kids Playing Tug of War

Student Benefits

  • Life Skills Mastery through Sports: Enabling children to acquire valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience through sports, contributing to their overall personal growth and well-being.

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  • Direct Positive Impact on Well-being: Initiatives that directly contribute to the well-being, personal growth, and future success of children, making a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives.

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  • Community-Driven Development: Actively involving our community in initiatives that make a positive difference, promoting social responsibility, and fostering a shared commitment to the welfare of children.

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  • Promoting Lifelong Health Habits: Increasing opportunities for children to engage in sports, promoting physical health and well-being, and helping them develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.

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  • Enhanced Mental Health through Sports: Participating in sports as a means to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, providing a positive outlet for emotions, and fostering a sense of accomplishment.

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  • Academic Excellence through Active Participation: Supporting research-backed findings that regular participation in sports positively correlates with improved academic performance, creating an environment that enhances both physical and intellectual development.

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  • Social Skills Cultivation through Play: Encouraging the development of crucial social skills such as teamwork, communication, and cooperation through sports, skills that are transferable to various aspects of life.

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  • Confidence Boost through Achievement: Fostering a sense of achievement and increased confidence among children as they overcome challenges and improve their skills in sports, positively impacting their self-esteem.

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  • Inclusive Environment for Every Child: Using sports as a platform to foster inclusivity and diversity, breaking down barriers and creating a sense of belonging among children.

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  • Physical Fitness and Well-being: Enhancing physical fitness levels among children through sports participation, promoting overall health and well-being.

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  • Emotional Resilience and Coping Skills: Building emotional resilience and effective coping mechanisms through the challenges and victories experienced in sports tournaments.

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  • Team Bonding and Friendship: Facilitating team bonding and the formation of friendships, fostering a sense of camaraderie and social connection among participating children.

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  • Leadership Development: Offering opportunities for children to develop leadership skills by taking on roles within sports teams, enhancing their ability to lead and collaborate with others.

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  • Goal Setting and Achievement: Instilling the importance of setting goals and working towards them, teaching children the value of perseverance and determination in the pursuit of success.

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  • Time Management Skills: Cultivating effective time management skills as children balance their academic commitments with sports training and tournament participation.

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  • Celebration of Diversity: Promoting an appreciation for diversity through sports tournaments, where children from various backgrounds come together, fostering a spirit of unity and acceptance.

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  • Positive Role Modeling: Exposing children to positive role models within the sports community, inspiring them to emulate traits of discipline, sportsmanship, and fair play.

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  • Sense of Belonging and Identity: Providing children with a sense of belonging and identity within the sports community, fostering pride in their achievements and contributions.

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  • Cognitive Development: Enhancing cognitive skills such as decision-making, strategic thinking, and spatial awareness through active participation in sports tournaments.

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"Thanks to his kind heart, discipline, problem solving skills, smiling face and readiness to help no matter what the situation is, we had a great time. The whole organization was more than perfect. I can’t express my gratitude to Ben and his team. I really hope that we’ll have a chance to be together again!"

Elis Aydin, Group Leader

British Council Accredited

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Emerald

Cultural Institute

High-Level Sports Coaching

Educating over 10,000 Children 

CHALLENGE

SPORT & EDUCATION

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