The Chronicle 682

17 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Learning to Lead The Sports Leaders' Programme By Ed Ellis, Sports Coach

This is the second year that our pupils have taken part in the Sports Leadership scheme. Last year 15 pupils achieved the Level 2 qualification in Community Sports Leadership and this year we will have 26 pupils, an equal number of boys and girls, who will have completed the course. Pupils are nominated by the Heads of Sport and then selected based on their enthusiasm and potential. Each term pupils taking the course must log a certain number of hours coaching junior teams in a sport of their choice - they are assessed twice during the course and then, finally, organise a tournament. This year we’ve seen pupils running rugby tournaments, tennis tournaments, Junior House girls’ hockey tournaments and cricket tournaments which have been hugely enjoyed by all involved. It’s been a brilliant way for the pupils to really integrate and get to know people from different year groups. The course not only allows pupils to develop valuable leadership and communication skills but also shows them ways in which they can continue to enjoy sport beyond School and prepares them to do further coaching, perhaps at local sports camps or clubs. We’ve seen pupils really grow in confidence within

Sports Leader Stanley Brown coaches a group of Shells

the programme – it really demonstrates to them how much knowledge they have acquired and how it can be applied. The academic year concluded with the Sports Leaders assisting at the inaugural U10 Summer Sports Festival, showcasing the very best of sport at Teddies.

Ed Ellis

Sports Leader Lily Ainsleigh Jones coaches from the net