Students' Dragon Sport organiser certificates - 12/02/07
Two Vale of Glamorgan Sixth Form students are roaring ahead in
developing their sports coaching qualifications.
Rugby loving duo Huw Williams and Rob Grapes, who attend
Llantwit Major Comprehensive, have gained Dragon Sport organiser
certificates just over a year after becoming involved in the
initiative through their involvement with the junior set up at the
town's rugby club.
Funded by the Sports Council for Wales and run by the Vale
Council Sports Development Unit, Dragon Sport aims to broaden the
sporting interests of children aged seven to 11 years old by
targeting those already participating and by involving those who
currently lack opportunities outside school PE lessons. It focuses
on eight sports – athletics, cricket, football, golf, hockey,
netball, rugby and tennis.
Huw, who wants to be a PE teacher, has attended a Welsh Rugby
Union Level 1 award scheme and, now allowed to coach independently,
has taken over the coaching reins for the Llantwit women's rugby
team. He also fulfils a similar role for his school's under-14
girls' tag team and the under-17 touch team, both of whom are
preparing for Health Challenge Wales fixtures later in the
term.
Taking a BTec in sport, Rob has also attended the Community Tag
Skills Rugby Award scheme alongside Huw, and has aspirations to
become a Level 1 coach as soon as a space becomes available.
Huw and Rob are both working as community rugby development
officers as part of the Future Blues Schools' Programme which is
supported by Millennium Volunteers and allows young coaches to
develop their skills. The scheme offers four free sessions to local
primary schools, and the pair are also permitted to organise a tag
rugby tournament at their local club.
Both young men are part-time recreation assistants at Llantwit
Leisure Centre.
Their school also benefits from their evolving knowledge and
skill as members of Llantwit Rugby Football Club youth team.
Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Gwyn John, who
presented the certificates, said: “The commitment shown to their
personal development in a sporting environment is exemplary. I am
delighted to present the boys with their Dragon Sport certificates
and to learn about their success to date and aspirations for the
future.”
Dragon Sport co-ordinator in the Vale Rachel McGuinness said:
“Training Sixth Form volunteers to deliver safe and fun sporting
sessions and encouraging them to develop on the coaching ladder is
vital to ensure high standards and sustainability.”
To find out more about Dragon Sports in the Vale, telephone
Rachel McGuinness on (01446) 704681, Alternatively, to learn more
on tag rugby tournaments, etc, contact the Vale’s rugby development
officer on (01446) 704603.