Meet the Sports Development Team...

(Left to right) Helen Watson, Aaron Quinn, Paul Bridson, Emma Callow, Dave Callaghan, Dominic Hobdell, Gianni Epifani, Christine Barradell.

The Sports Development team of Paul Bridson, Gianni Epifani, Aaron Quinn, Emma Callow, Dave Callaghan and Dominic Hobdell are part of Manx Sport & Recreation (MSR). They are based at the National Sports Centre Outdoor Site and are happy to help or advise governing bodies, clubs or individuals with any sports development issue.

Our Mission Statement

The Sports Development Team are committed to ensuring that all children regardless of age, gender, ability, background or race can participate in sport in a safe and enjoyable environment.

What we have achieved

During the last 12 months, MSR has been involved in a number of on going and new projects. Working in partnership with schools; governing bodies, clubs and voluntary organisations, Sports Development is committed to building a strong legacy for sport on the Island. Some of the most recongnisable achievments over the last 12 months include:

1. The Sports Development Unit has gained Quest accreditation, scoring a mark of 70%. This is the UK Quality Sport and Leisure standard aimed at continuous improvement.

2. Successfully organised and managed the 2007 Manx Youth Games which involved in excess of 2000 participants, coaches, officials and volunteers. As a result 55% of those who participated in the Games have joined a community sports club.

3. Attracted in excess of 35,000 participants to SDU activities around the Island

4. Successfully agreed a three year funding contract with Heritage Homes enabling MSR to appoint Sports Specific Development Officers.

5. Worked in partnership with Sports Council to launch the Community Key Sports Scheme and appointed the first Sports Specific Development officer (Hockey/Badminton) as a result of recommendations in the IOM Sports & Recreation Strategy..

6. Successfully co-ordinated the second years work of theSchool Sports Co-ordinatorfor the South which has resulted in 5 new community clubs and 20 new after school clubs in the South of the Island increasing attendances on sports schemes by 186%

7. Established 5 new Inter - School Festivals for Southern primary schools attracting in excess of 200 children into organised, competitive sport in the South of the Island.

8. Increased staff development - training programme for the Sports Development Team to become qualified Sports Coach UK tutors.

9. Trained 527 coaches, volunteers, teachers and parents to deliver and improve the quality of sports activities.

10. Introduced Sports Development Programmes into targeted areas and communities on the Island - increasing provision for children that find it difficult to access sport, which has attracted 60% new participants in hard to reach areas.

11. Launched a new training programme for all MSR coaches which includes a new Coach Induction Seminar and series of Sports Coach UK workshops

12. Launched a new Sports Development Logo and Sticker scheme aimed at rewarding children for their participation in sport and physical activity.

13. Introduced new weekly Walk & Talk sessions in Ramsey, Castletown and Peel achieving attendances of 7,133 throughout the year Island wide.

14. Facilitated 14 activity sessions for people with disabilities.

By 2007/08 the Sports Development Unit will aim to :

1. Increase attendances of SDU holiday programmes by 5%.
2. Increase sports provision in targeted areas of the Island by 20%.
3. Increase the number of children from target areas around the Island into HSBC MYG by 10%.
4. Provide 60% of children from HSBC MYG with sustainable sporting opportunities to join community clubs.
5. Increase the number of 12 - 15 year olds attending SDU activities by 50%.
6. Identify and attract 15% of children in care into SDU activities
7. Increase attendances on Walk & Talk schemes by 45%.
8. Increase participation in sport and physical activity (those not currently active) by 5% in the South of the Island.
9. Increase the number of people attending training, coaching and other development courses organised by the Sports Development Unit by 5%.
10. Launch a Sports Coach UK Coach Education Programme.
11. Appoint further Development staff in line with the IOM Sports and Recreation Strategy.

Feedback

The Sports Development Team value your opinions and comments on all aspects of our service. You can contact us by:

Telephone: (01624) 688592

Post: Sports Development Unit, National Sports Centre, Groves Road, Douglas, IM2 1RB

E-mail:enquiries@msr.dtl.gov.im