Young volunteer sports coaches have been rewarded for helping children to be fit and healthy.
Each year, 16 to 19-year-olds take part in the Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme, run by the Department of Education and Children’s Sports Development Unit (SDU) and sponsored by the telecoms firm.
The teenagers gain skills at a week-long summer training camp at the National Sports Centre, then coach at schools, community clubs, Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) activities and primary schools’ sports festivals through the year.
For some, their participation leads to a National Governing Body Level 1 coaching award.
Each term, Sure Isle of Man rewards the young leaders who have recorded the most hours coaching.
Harry Hewson, who goes to Queen Elizabeth II High School, received a £100 Sure voucher from Sarah Jarvis, the company’s Marketing Manager after completing 32 hours as a volunteer. George Dickinson (St Ninian’s High School, 27 hours) received a £75 Sure voucher and Jack Roberts (Ramsey Grammar School, 26 hours) a £50 Sure voucher
They are among 42 leaders who – in addition to exams and other commitments – completed a total of 440 voluntary hours during the autumn term.
Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said:
‘Through the Programme for Government, we seek to enable people to live healthier lives.
‘Encouraging young people to get involved in sport at an early age can help them avoid the illnesses associated with inactivity.
‘The fantastic Sure Sports Leaders Programme allows us to involve many more children in sport than we could otherwise reach. Meanwhile, the young leaders gain invaluable experience that boosts their CVs – and can even lead to careers in sport.’
Sarah Jarvis said:
‘With every passing year we see more young volunteers engaging with the Sure Sports Leaders Programme. Sure is immensely proud to support this initiative, promoting as it does some great community participation and healthy sporting activities for our young people. I also know that this experience looks great on a CV and on a university application form – so we really hope that it leads to some great opportunities for these young leaders.’
Daniel Richardson (St Ninian’s High School), who was named overall Sure Sports Leader of the Year 2015/16, will be invited to the 2016 Isle of Man Sports Awards at the Villa Marina in March to receive an award.
Recruitment for the 2017/2018 Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme begins in February, when Year 11 students will receive presentations in school assemblies.
For further information on the Sure Sports Leaders’ Programme, contact Sam Caine, Community Sports Development Officer and Coach, on 01624 688557 or email him via Sam.Caine@gov.im
