Youth Development Pathways
The Youth Development Pathway is our flagship suite of youth development programs designed to build confident, capable, and future-ready young people.
Empowering youth through sport
Through sport we explore personal growth, community building, social change, and pathways beyond school, equipping children and young adults with essential life skills in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Grounded in robust research and evaluated annually by the University of New South Wales, this evidence-based youth pathways program empowers students with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally.
Our youth development programs
The Creating Chances Youth Development Pathway offers flexibility. It allows you to choose from five youth development programs and tailor the experience to your student’s needs. Teachers can select one, two, or all five of our youth development programs, blending sport with life skills to create meaningful in-school experiences.
By tailoring the youth pathways program, each student’s journey is aligned with what matters most to them, fostering their growth and development in the most impactful way. Our programs offer one-term to full-year, in-school learning experiences that combine sport and life skills. Each pathway stage is designed to help students grow into confident, resilient leaders.
Why the Pathway delivers results
At Creating Chances, we partner with the University of New South Wales to ensure the highest standards in program evaluation. Our evidence-based programs are delivered by inspiring facilitators in the classroom and on the field, ensuring students are engaged and equipped to succeed.
The Creating Chances Youth Development Pathway has five youth development programs, each designed for different stages of student development to encourage ongoing growth throughout school.
After participating in the Youth Development Pathway, eligible students can join our facilitation and coaching team at Creating Chances as School-based Trainees.
Springboard
For students transitioning to high school, Springboard offers the skills to overcome social and academic challenges, fostering positive relationships and self-awareness.
- Coping Mechanisms
- Effective Communication
Champions
Our Champions program explores personal development, creating self-aware and responsible learners.
- Self Awareness
- Positive Relationships
- Resilience
Coach
Coach programs empower students to become role models, teaching leadership and communication skills through sports facilitation.
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Employment-related life skills
Gamechanger
Gamechanger programs focus on advocacy, allowing students to develop critical thinking skills, lead grassroots marketing campaigns, and present with impact”
- Advocacy
- Project Planning
- Design Thinking
Future Pathways
Future Pathways programs prepare students for life beyond school, offering tailored roadmaps and work-readiness skills.
- Work Readiness
- Personal Identity
- Resume and Interview Skills
School-Based Trainee Program (SBAT)
After experiencing the Youth Development Pathway, eligible students can join our facilitation and coaching team at Creating Chances as school-based trainees. The aim is to help them develop skills and gain experience that will pave the way for their future success.
- One day paid work per week
- Coaching and facilitation skills
- Supported by an Employment Pathways Coordinator
Trusted school partners
Since 2004, Creating Chances has partnered with over 100 schools, impacting 15,000 students annually. Our youth pathways programs have significantly improved participants’ optimism, resilience, and confidence.
Discover our innovative programs
Creating Chances provides various unique programs that complement the Youth Development Pathway. Each program is designed to make a real difference in the lives of young people and is tailored to meet specific needs and interests. Partner with us to tailor unique programs such as wellbeing days, Pacific Waves, and so much more.
Learn more about our innovative youth pathways programs and how they can improve students’ lives.
School Teachers & Educators FAQs
1. How does this program align with the national curriculum?
Our modules are mapped against the General Capabilities framework, specifically focusing on Personal and Social Capability, Critical and Creative Thinking, and Intercultural Understanding.
2. What is the time commitment required from staff?
We aim for a “plug-and-play” experience. While we require a staff liaison for safeguarding and coordination, our facilitators handle the heavy lifting—including session planning, equipment setup, and delivery.
3. Is there a cost to the school, or is it fully funded?
Program funding arrangements may vary depending on the initiative and partnership structure. In many cases, Creating Chances works with partners and community organisations to help schools access impactful programs for schools focused on youth wellbeing and engagement.
4. What age groups or developmental stages is the content designed for?
The programs are designed for children and young people across different age groups, with content tailored to developmental stages, student needs, and school environments. Activities focus on wellbeing, leadership, engagement, and positive youth development outcomes.
5. What support/resources are provided to teachers during the program?
Teachers receive ongoing support through facilitator collaboration, guided activities, program resources, and practical tools that help reinforce learning outcomes. The resources are designed to complement existing school wellbeing programs and encourage meaningful classroom engagement.
6. Can you describe what happens during the program?
Delivery of a series of experiential learning-based workshops and sport-based sessions with a focus on developing skills and strategies needed to develop and maintain positive relationships and prepare for, and overcome, the social and academic challenges they face.
7. What are the program outcomes?
We work towards the following short to medium term outcomes, that are measured through our partnership with the University of NSW:
- Increased resilience
- Increased self-awareness
- Increased sense of achievement
- Improved peer relationships
- Increased optimism
- Pro-social behaviour
- Improved communication skills
8. How long does the program last?
Programs can vary in length, from 1-day Wellbeing programs to weekly sessions across the whole year. Generally weekly programs are double periods during the school schedule. We hope that young people who engage in these programs will continue their journey on the Creating Chances pathway, including further programs, training and employment.
9. What is the content of the programs?
The sessions will cover a range of topics chosen after co-design process with coordinating teacher and school leadership, including Values, Confidence Building, Self-Awareness & Teamwork, Self-Awareness, Rights and Responsibilities, Supporting Others, Building Positive & Healthy Relationships, Building Resilience, Positive Thinking, Goal Setting, Time Management, Relaxation, and Problem-Solving & Decision-Making and Leadership.
10. What is the content of the programs?
Each session will incorporate experiential learning activities in the classroom and/or on the sports field. Sessions topics will cover a range of topics chosen after co-design process with coordinating teacher and school leadership, including Values, Confidence Building, Self-Awareness & Teamwork, Self-Awareness, Rights and Responsibilities, Supporting Others, Building Positive & Healthy Relationships, Building Resilience, Positive Thinking, Goal Setting, Time Management, Relaxation, and Problem-Solving & Decision-Making and Leadership.
11. What expectations do you have of the school?
Access to classroom or an open learning space with projector or smart board, and access to the school oval, COLA, or playing fields.
An engaged member of staff – for example a Teacher or in Welfare or Support role – to provide a link to students and provide a rallying point for students and information.
12. Who leads the session?
We have trained and qualified Head Facilitators, Assistant Facilitators, and School-based Trainees who lead the session. Each program has a session plan, and each staff member has their own development plan.
13. What additional opportunities are available beyond the program?
Participants may be chosen to take part in additional stages of the Youth Development Pathway, including access to inspirational program events (i.e. World Traditional Games, Football United Festival). Selected students may also have access to Leadership opportunities and invitations to attend Residential Camps. There are also opportunities for participants in programs to apply to be a School-based Trainee (SBAT) in Year 11.
14. How do you evaluate your program impact?
Developed by UNSW, monitoring and evaluation will be conducted to demonstrate the impact of this program. Students, teachers and facilitators will be invited to participate in surveys, storytelling and reports.
15. Will Creating Chances provide administrative support and resources?
Creating Chances will provide curriculum-aligned education resources, worksheets, student booklets (if relevant) and equipment. Creating Chances will provide management and coordination support for program planning, implementation, and review.
Ready to make a difference?
Whether you’re interested in exploring our diverse programs or want to customise the experience for your students, we’re here to help.
See how the complete pathway can impact your students and tailor them to fit your needs.
