Young volunteers are learning valuable life and workplace skills at a sports camp at the National Sports Centre this week.
Twenty three 15 to 21-year-olds are participating in the annual Sure Sports Leader Programme, run by Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) and sponsored by Sure Isle of Man.
As well as learning to coach seven sports, they will gain nationally recognised qualifications in emergency first aid and safeguarding and protecting children.
They will also acquire skills in sports science, communication, time management and session planning.
On completion of the camp, and under supervision from experienced staff, the volunteers will coach children on MSR’s Summer Sports Programme.
From September, they will compile formal coaching logbooks, accumulating points at after-school and community clubs, MSR Step into Sport sessions and Manx Youth Games training sessions.
As they pass 25 and 50-hour milestones, they will receive additional free training.
Sure also generously rewards volunteers who clock up the most hours in the autumn and spring terms.
Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘The Island is hugely successful at sport and it’s vital we nurture the next generation of coaches if we are to continue to achieve so much on the world stage.
‘The Sure Sports Leaders Programme gives young people with an interest in sport a structured introduction to coaching. Whether they go on to work in or study sport or pursue it as a hobby, they will have a great grounding in the skills they need.’
The Minister continued: ‘Employers value young people who demonstrate a commitment to their community and to self-development, so this programme will boost young people’s CVs.
‘I’d like to thank Sure for its ongoing support for this scheme and the Sure Sports Primary School Programme, which complements it.
Sarah Jarvis, Marketing Manager for Sure Isle of Man, said: ‘We are delighted to again support the Sure Sports Leader Programme.
‘The skills these young people learn at ‘camp’ and during the year will undoubtedly stand them in great stead in the future, whether in the world of work or in higher education.
‘Having met many of this year’s young leaders, I am impressed by their commitment and hard work. All of us at Sure wish the latest recruits every success with the programme.’
