By Tim Evans, sport lecturer and Further Education Sports Coordinator
What I look for is for my students to be keen, motivated and interested, to show a commitment to further their development as individuals and enhance their prospects of work in the future.
The Truro College Sports Leaders have set themselves apart from the vast amount of young people looking for work or towards Higher Education and have impressed me immensely over the last year. They have committed time and effort to continuously wanting to be involved in coaching and volunteering in a variety of opportunities. Their confidence has grown and their capacity to take ownership. Their understanding of the need to be organised, plan and prepare sessions has been critical to their success and their ability to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
Throughout this academic year they have worked in primary schools across Truro with weekly sessions in St Agnes and St Mary’s Primary School. They have learnt and applied the basics of coaching and explored the importance how to control and involve, encourage and motivate a class of students .
Their determination, fairness, being secure and confident in their decisions has been tested while refereeing at numerous Tag Rugby festivals across the county
Their empathy, awareness and appreciation of students with varying abilities has matured while volunteering at Disability Sports Festivals in conjunction with Cornwall Sports Partnership and English Federation of Disability Sport. They have also taught students with learning, physical difficulties and challenging behaviour at Pencalenick School in Truro. They engaged them in sporting activities, enthused them and allowed them to enjoy being healthy and having fun being active in a safe environment.
Testimonials from those they have worked with really highlight their personal development and success as Sports Leaders:
“They were very organised and took their roles seriously. The children responded well to their leadership and both staff from the school and parents were very impressed” Christian Hirst, Parent.
“The young leaders were fantastic in my opinion and really made the day what it was – there was a young guy – Stuart from Truro College who particularly impressed me! He’s keen to engage more with disabled people so I mentioned that I’m sure you would be able to connect him into more opportunities!” Kat Southwell, English Federation of Disability Sport.
“The feedback from the schools was very complimentary of your especially about the way they conducted themselves and the encouragement they gave to the athletes” -Steve Hillman, Cornwall Sports Partnership.
“We were very pleased with the quality of their content and delivery of the sessions in the gym. The tasks were well planned and at the appropriate level for our pupils. The pupils really enjoyed the sessions and frequently ask when will the students be back? We hope we can continue in the next academic year. Thank you for all your hard work” Mr H Stokes, PE Coordinator , Pencalenick Special School.
“They were great. Really helpful and improved throughout tournament” Angela Walker, School Sports Coordinator at Penryn College.
These skills will stay with them, serve them well and transfer well into any future employment.
