Kids Coach Launched

This month saw the launch of INWA Kids Nordic Walking Coach Pilot in Bristol, UK July 2025

At INWA, we believe that movement is a foundation for lifelong well-being — and that journey should begin in childhood. That’s why we are expanding our efforts to bring INWA Nordic Walking to more children and teenagers around the world, through schools, youth groups, and community programmes.

Why Act Now?

Globally, 80% of 11–17-year-olds are not active enough to support their health and development — a figure published in The Lancet that has raised alarms internationally. This generation is growing up in a world where screen time outweighs outdoor play, and stress often replaces joy in physical activity.

But there’s hope — and we can be part of the solution.

The Lancet’s 2021 Series on Physical Activity called for multi-purpose environments that promote walking and play. At INWA, we’re perfectly positioned to meet this need. Nordic Walking  can combine both elements in a way that is fun, inclusive, sustainable and appropriate to their different ages.

A Unique Curriculum for Children and Teens

INWA’s Children and Teens Curriculum is specifically designed to bring the many benefits of Nordic Walking to young people of all ages and abilities.

This is more than just a walking programme. It’s a playful, confidence-building experience that supports physical, emotional, and social development.

Physical Benefits:

• Coordination & Bilateral Movement

• Balance, Strength, Flexibility

• Stamina and Physical Confidence

• Technique Development using the INWA 10-Step Method

• Outdoor Awareness for safe, year-round walking

Emotional & Social Benefits:

• Walking side-by-side encourages conversation, especially for neurodiverse children

• Nature provides a calming sensory space and natural talking points

• Reduces anxiety through rhythm and movement

• Creates a sense of community and belonging

• Offers a tech-free zone for real-world connection and focus

This holistic approach helps children thrive both physically and mentally — and it all starts with putting poles in their hands and smiles on their faces.

Why Teachers and Coaches Are Key

To bring Nordic Walking to more children globally, we need to go beyond our current network of INWA Instructors. The key lies in training those who already work with children every day: teachers, sport coaches, and youth activity leaders.

Why this matters:

• Children make up 25% of the world’s population — they are our future, and a major opportunity for impact.

• Teachers and sport coaches already understand how to support children safely and effectively in active settings.

• With the right training in the INWA 10-Step Methodology,  and how to adapt this to the world of a child, they can confidently deliver high-quality Nordic Walking experiences in schools, clubs, and community projects.

A new course

To make this vision a reality, we’ve launched a brand-new training course:INWA Kids Nordic Walking Coach — specifically designed for teachers, sport coaches, and outdoor educators.

What makes this course unique?

• Practical Nordic Walking technique training

• Focus on physical literacy and emotional well-being

• Adaptable for use in both school and community settings

• Scalable and relevant internationally

What’s Next?

The first pilot with sport coaches is now underway, and coaches are already delivering sessions to children. Over the coming months, we will:

• Evaluate how confident and competent coaches feel post-training

• Observe the real-world benefits in child participants

• Gather feedback to refine and improve the course

• Launch our second pilot in Autumn 2025, expanding to include teachers and outdoor education providers

Feedback so far

The coaches were energised and so enthused to get out and start delivering Nordic Walking to children in their care: Forest School, Performance squads and mentoring to mention a few areas of focus for them. Here's what they said:

"I was impressed with the versatility of the sport, linked to my experience it could be used as part of Holiday Clubs, wraparound, as a PE unit or for mentoring purposes. I was also impressed with the SEMH benefits as this is becoming something that a lot of young children deal with on a daily basis."

"The curriculum packs are super informative and were a good asset to have when teaching as it covered almost everything and provided different games and plans for the different age groups."

"I would recommend this course to anyone working in a primary age range wanting to deliver a new sport to their children and coaches within the sporting community."

INWA Kids Nordic Walking Coach course is an area of Nordic Walking development that INWA can lead on , making a difference to current headline statistics on child activity levels globally.