23 Local Children Attend Young Sports Leadership Academy

The Annandale and Eskdale Young Sports Leadership Academy took place over 3 days recently.

The course was aimed at enhancing the skills of young people’s to further increase levels of physical activity and support the development of young sports people in schools and communities across Annandale and Eskdale. The programme grouped together pupils from S4 – S6 to provide skills and training which would also support their progression in further education or employment in the field of sport and sports coaching.

Following an application process 23 young people from local secondary schools, Langholm, Lockerbie, Moffat and Annan Academy were selected and brought together in Lockerbie Academy for three days of intensive training. The three days included a serious of workshops and courses which would provide the young people with the necessary skills to deliver organised sporting sessions in their school and local community. Some of the courses the young people participated in during the three days included Sports Leaders, Positive Coaching Scotland, Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Working with Young People in Sport, Session Planning and Evaluation, Practical Delivery and Communication.

The course was organised by the Council’s Active School and Community Support Team with funding from the Holywood Trust and Magnox Limited.

Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning [CYPLL] committee, and Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, said: “Providing the best start in life for all our children and developing the local economy are priorities for our Council. The young people involved in this programme have gained skills, knowledge and confidence. and are now better equipped to deliver programmes of sport and activity, to enter the workplace, or to pursue further education.”

Karen Dalgliesh, Communications and Support Officer with the Holywood Trust, was in Lockerbie to present the cheque for £2,500 to Councillor Ros Surtees. She said: “The Trust is pleased to support this training programme and commitment from young people who have given up time in their holidays, enabling young people to develop their interest in sport and help out in sports clubs and local schools throughout the year to come.”