Write a commentThe recently crowned Irish FA, Belfast Regional League winners of Group 1 and Group 2 today demonstrated their sports leadership skills as they come to the end of the ‘Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership’ held at Newry City Football Club. Sports Leaders UK qualifications are recognised on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and are designed to promote leadership skills and qualities in young people.
Funded by Southern Investing for Health Partnership, this Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership will encourage members of the group to assist in coaching sports and activity sessions in schools and community groups.
Esther King, Special Olympics coordinator said,” This course has been great fun and the squad members have grown in confidence as we have progressed. Some players have improved their communication skills while others are better equipped at overcoming challenges. We have noticed that all of the group are more comfortable in expressing their views and organising small group activities.”
Tutor Ryan McConville highlighted the additional benefits of Sports Leadership awards and qualifications, “ Football training and Leadership skills complement each other and as witnessed throughout the squads’ league campaign recently, to a successful, holistic approach to sports development within Newry City FC.” He added, “ The tremendous work done by the coaches, Esther King, Jim Fox and Jonathan Carroll and the skills that the squad members have learnt and demonstrate is producing a formidable group.”
Barbara Knox of Newry Sports Partnership is, “Delighted to see the impact that the efforts of the Newry City Special Olympics Squad is having in sport.” She went on to add, “ With thanks to the Southern Investing for Health Partnership this course confirms the approach we have taken to offer higher levels of attainment to young people. We hope to see these young people actively getting involved in their community activities as well as having the confidence to help other sports clubs as volunteers.”
