What makes a good sports coach or teacher? Could you lead others and motivate a team? Coleg Gwent sports students recently got the opportunity to find out when they volunteered with Caerphilly Sports Development Department.
Crosskeys Campus sports students working towards their Community Sports Leaders Award helped lead competitions for the Caerphilly Schools Sports Association.
The group assisted children aged 8-14 with kwik cricket, netball, rounders, and basketball competitions, as well as helping out at the disability swimming gala. Students were responsible for umpiring, organising skills and assisting with the running of the events.
Sports student Nicky Stripp, 21, from Newport, said: “I loved helping with the netball especially with the skills. The children really seemed to enjoy them.”
Mererid Dark, course coordinator, said: “The opportunity to work in the community is an integral part of the Sports leaders’ award and it often gives students an insight into coaching and teaching careers.
“For most students these opportunities are the first time they lead children; it is both challenging and rewarding for them and they learn a tremendous amount whilst helping Caerphilly schools sports development department.”