It is in playing and only in playing that the adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self.

D.W. Winnicott

Richard Cheetham MBE Senior Fellow in Sports Coaching at the University of Winchester takes you on an experiential journey of learning through play. He helps you to reconnect with play and all the riches that it brings not only with well-being but the with imagination, creativity, freedom and connecting with others. The session also examines how we can use play in our work and recognizing that embracing it offers opportunities otherwise missed. So be prepared to ‘let go’ and grab hold of some playful learning.

What we’ll cover:

• How to recognise the value of play for well-being and connection with others
• How play can be used within the workplace to strengthen teams and relationships
• The effect of play based learning in training and development
• The sparks of imagination and creativity which emerge from play sessions

Why is it important for people to learn this skill?

Understanding the value of play is central to the development of creative thinking, enhancing well-being and building and deepening relationships. Play is “…life transforming” and even if a momentary release from the order and structure that comes with adulthood in that brief time it can be the refuelling needed for us to enter back into that world revitalised.

Who is this relevant for?

This workshop is for sport, business and education – for teams and leaders within those organisations.

About your host:

Richard Cheetham MBE has a reputation at national and international level in coach education and development with his work ranging from Rugby Union and Fencing to Slalom Canoe and professional cycling with the UCI in Switzerland. His research, publications and conference presentations have focussed on developing a more holistic approach to coaching as well as encouraging creativity and innovation in practice session design. The important role of play in sport at all levels of performance and across all ages has been a specific area of research with his published work and applied practice contributing to sport and education initiatives as wells as the University of Winchester Play and Creativity festival.

Richard received his MBE for his contribution to education and community sport in 2017 and was also awarded the 2018 UK Coaching Coach Developer of the year.

Watch Richard in action: