This study examined the experiences of coach-mentors within youth development spaces, exploring the skillsets, qualities and training facilitating successful coach-mentoring outcomes in highly deprived communities. Coach-mentoring has expanded as an influential programme to support young people’s transition to adulthood, with coach-mentors playing an instrumental role in maximising their life potential, yet empirical research has been underdeveloped to harness effective delivery. Using qualitative data collection and semi-structured interviews for eight coaches, through a thematic data analysis process, this study found prioritising relationship building, socio-emotional qualities and harnessing youth autonomy were essential to achieving sustainable development change and benefits. Similarly, contrasting perspectives resulted concerning training provisions with insufficient support and accessibility restricting the potential of collaborative learning to enhance professional development. These findings correlated with existing research whilst extending the literature base, creating positive implications for enhancing practical resources (socioemotional qualities and accreditation) to advance coach-mentoring standards and maximise youth’s skills and potential. Therefore, this provides a sustainable foundation for future literature to expand upon, with greater emphasis on understanding innovative methods to expand the
qualities of coach-mentors and subsequent positive impacts on young participants.