The Youth Sport Trust works in partnership with schools and other relevant bodies. We help to implement and manage a huge variety of initiatives, designed to build a brighter future for young people through sport.
Below is just one example of how our work makes a difference.
Below is just one example of how our work makes a difference.
The problem
How can we improve the development and deployment of young leaders in East Durham?The solution
- The Junior Sports Leadership Award (JSLA) has been introduced to year 10 students in all of the partnership’s six secondary schools.
- Young Leaders are trained to run TOP Link festivals with feeder primary schools and contribute to the Youth Games.
- Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA) students are encouraged to extend their voluntary work into community sports clubs.
- Our best leaders complete National Governing Body (NGB) awards during Out of School Hours Learning (OSHL) time.
- An annual summer camp is run for 48 year 10 students who show exceptional talent.
- Mentoring support is offered to young people beyond their leadership courses, which provides extended work placement opportunities for young leaders and coaches.
- ‘District Action Groups’ have been provided to promote leading and coaching through each priority sport.
The results
- Leadership awards are now an established element of the curriculum and are valued highly within the schools.
- Students are more aware of opportunities for coach development and leadership work within the partnership.
- More staff have undergone leadership tutor training.
- Over 100 students have successfully completed JSLA, over 200 have gained NGB awards and several have achieved awards in our ‘Step into Sport’ programme.
- Five students have qualified as assistant gym coaches.
- JSLA students, who are also netball leaders, now work with primary and secondary age netball teams.
It worked because…
- Strong links were established with club and community sport.
- Leadership awards have become a valued part of the curriculum.
- School staff are offered training.
- Young leaders and coaches are able to access:
The Head teacher’s verdict: “The programme outcomes not only impact on GCSE results, they also develop the cadre of young people who will continue to contribute to the regeneration of our communities through their involvement in youth sports.”
- mentoring support beyond the leadership courses;
- extended work placement opportunities;
- activities of specific interest to them through the District Action Groups.