A new sports leaders’ camp for school leavers could be a pathway to jobs in the industry.
Thirty-five 16-year-olds who are leaving school this summer will embark on Manx Sport and Recreation’s first ever, week-long Sports Leader Programme next week.
They will attend sessions on leadership and planning; safeguarding and protecting children; first aid; disability inclusion and understanding the fundamentals of sport, such as agility, balance and co-ordination.
They will also receive grounding in coaching tag rugby, athletics, cricket, hockey, netball and badminton, in some cases receiving national governing body awards that will boost their CVs.
Following the camp, participants can volunteer to be mentored by MSR coaching staff in July and August on the Summer Holiday Sports Programme.
Then, from September, participants can begin completing their Sports Leader Coaching Logbook, accumulating points at schools’ after-school and community clubs, MSR Step into Sport sessions and Manx Youth Games training sessions.
At 20 and 40-hour milestones they will receive the opportunity to attend further sports-related training, which will ultimately provide all the relevant qualifications they need to apply to become an MSR seasonal sports coach.
Those who continue this way, completing a specified number of voluntary coaching sessions, will receive half of their £150 fee for the camp back.
Paul Bridson, Temporary Head of Youth, Sport and Recreation with the Department of Education and Children, said:
‘The Department is extremely committed to assisting young people on the Island further their education, training and employment opportunities. Using sport and coaching, this camp will offer young people an opportunity to develop their leadership, communication, planning and presentation skills and develop their confidence, whether that be working as an individual or as part of a team.
‘The new skills learnt are completely transferable, whether they decide to further their education in the sports industry or seek employment in other areas of the economy on the Isle of Man.’
The programme is sponsored by Sure – already a generous supporter of primary school sports.
The company will reward the young sports leaders who log the most number of hours each term with £100 and £50 vouchers to spend in the Sure stores in Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin.
Sarah Jarvis, Marketing Manager of Sure, said:
‘Sure is delighted to support MSR’s first summer camp for sports leaders. The skills these young people will gain from their experience will be invaluable for the future – whether they choose to go to university or into employment. The Island’s primary schools will also benefit from having young people come in to coach their pupils in a range of sports. For us, it really is a great investment in the Island’s community.’
For more information on how to become an MSR coach, contact Community Sports Development Officer Emma Callow via Emma.Callow@gov.im or +44 1624 688557.
