TWO year 12 pupils from Castle Rushen High School have been appointed as volunteer Manx Sport and Recreation liaison officers.

The students, Tom Collins and Katie Gilson, will work alongside community sports development officer Emma Callow to ensure students at the school are kept informed of sports activities in the south of the Island.

They will also have an input into the development and planning of future sports opportunities for the students.

Emma said: "I'm confident Tom and Katie will do a fantastic job in their new roles and I'm very much looking forward to working alongside them in the future. Their enthusiasm for sport and their confident, outgoing personalities are exactly what we are looking for in the Manx Sport and Recreation liaison officer role."

This is a pilot initiative and if successful will be rolled out to the other secondary schools in the future.

Headteacher at Castle Rushen Andrew Cole said: "Encouraging participation in sport and physical activity for our pupils is high on our priority list at Castle Rushen so I am delighted for us to be a part of this pilot initiative.

"I'm certain Tom and Katie will gain many valuable skills and experience through their new roles that will support them in their chosen career pathways."

Tom and Katie will be responsible for setting up focus groups with children in year's seven to nine to research what sort of activities the students would like to participate in and will also be responsible for keeping PE staff informed of all forthcoming Manx Sport and Recreation initiatives.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "I am pleased to be further strengthening the links we have with Castle Rushen High School through the appointment of the Manx Sport and Recreation liaison officers. 

"I think this is a great initiative that will improve the provision for sport for this age group tremendously in the south of the Island."