The programme, organised by the Council’s Leisure and Sport Active Schools and Community Sport Team, received £2,500 funding from The Holywood Trust which has seen S4/S5 pupils training, developing and gaining skills to allow them to support and deliver sessions in schools, clubs and community sport hubs across Nithsdale.
The 23 leadership recruits received sessions including safeguarding and protecting children, Positive Coaching Scotland training, communication and working with young people, inclusion and improvisation as well as practical sessions in badminton, Let’s Motivate, table tennis, football and netball.
All students who completed the 4-Day training have received their certificates, leadership t-shirts and have now been assigned a mentor to assist their volunteering and leadership development over the next academic year.
Councillor Jeff Leaver, who is the Chairman of the Council’s Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning Committee said;
“This is an excellent opportunity for our young people to gain valuable lifelong experience in leadership and sports coaching which will prepare them for future career prospects and through volunteering they are connecting with their local community. Our Council places an emphasis on offering our children the best possible start in life and programmes like the Leadership Academy allow us to deliver on this commitment.”