PULSE The Young Ambassador’s


VIEW


Firstly can you tell us a little bit about yourself?


I am currently in Year 11 and I am a keen sportsman; I take part in track Cycling and Triathlons and am part of the VO2 cycling club in Hildenborough.


How did you get involved with the Sports Leaders Programme?


I first started to help out at some primary school competitions in 2012/13 and then in 2013/14 Hayesbrook set up a Leadership Academy which was more of a structured programme. There were about 20 of us that were part of the Leadership Academy last year and we received sports specific training which meant we could then assist at Kent School Games competitions delivered by The


Our View


Tonbridge & West Kent School Sports Partnership. This year I was nominated by Hayesbrook School to be part of the Young Ambassadors programme which brings together the best sports leaders from local schools. Part of my role as a Young Ambassador is to support the training of primary school leaders which is why I am involved today.


What skills/experience have you gained from this?


The main thing I would say is that it has helped my communication skills and developed my confidence to speak in public. I have learnt why it is important to listen to others and can now take control of a situation in a professional and organised way. I have also made new friends through the programme.


Do you think these skills may help with employment/ future plans after you leave school?


Yes definitely, it’s something that I will put on my CV and will be something I can talk about in interviews. The communication skills I have developed should help me when meeting new people and it is a positive thing that I have some experience in voluntary work now. I think my time management and organisation skills have improved and that is something that I will need even more in the future.


Do you feel it has helped you with your studies?


Yes, mainly in English. I think my confidence in public speaking has improved.


What would you say to pupils thinking about entering the Sports Leaders or Young Ambassador programme?


Do it, definitely. I really enjoy being part of the team and I feel like I am treated like an adult.


Having witnessed the training first hand and speaking to the teachers and pupils present, it is clear to see how much value having pupils trained to become a Sports Crew adds to a school. Not only does it allow your school to run more inter-school competitions at break times etc., but it also gives pupils the feeling of responsibility and confidence.


There are also additional benefits which can cross over into subjects such as literacy and numeracy by asking the children to write about their experiences of being in the Crew


and also measuring times or distances of sporting activities.


It may also help to engage pupils who are currently not sport minded into becoming more physically active and feeling part of the whole sporting experience.


I would wholly recommend that all primary schools should at least consider setting up a Sports Crew within their school.


Report by Tim Sells - Kent Sport


The Kent & Medway School Sports Magazine 5


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