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Derbyshire Sports Leadership Academy welcomes more North Derbyshire young people

26 November 2008

The conference saw specially-invited young people aged 16+ from Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, High Peak and Derbyshire Dales take part.

Included for the first time were students from Chesterfield College, thanks to the links that have been made with the appointment of a FESCo at the college.

The young people were given an introduction to the Derbyshire Sports Leadership Academy by youth sport officer Sarah Jones, as well as a demonstration of the accompanying website which allows members to record and monitor their volunteering hours across many different activities, and collect rewards such as sports clothing and accessories along the way.

They also heard from existing Leadership Academy members Lindsey Pearson and Caelan Chambers.

Lindsey has clocked up more than 500 voluntary hours in sport, while Caelan has also spent more than 250 hours volunteering in the past 12 months.

In addition, Caelan was selected to visit Beijing during the Paralympics as part of the British Council’s Young Advocate Programme, and he shared his experiences with the young leaders.

High Peak Sport Development Officer Chris Nightingale was also a guest speaker, and there was a chance for the young people to complete the Youth Sport Trust’s Top Activity course, delivered by Darren Norwood – Community Sports Development Manager at Tupton Hall School.

Sarah Jones said: “It was great to see so many young people who are interested in leadership and volunteering come together and bring so much enthusiasm to the event.

“Many of those who were there on the day have already registered their details on the Leadership Academy website, and will soon begin logging their voluntary hours.

“As well as learning new skills, the young people will also be making a great contribution to sport in Derbyshire.”

Karen Shopland, North East Derbyshire Partnership Development Manager, said: “Most of the young people from Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire have already done some volunteering, mainly in schools, as part of the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Sports Leadership Academy, which is for 14 to 16-year-olds.

“The Derbyshire Sports Leadership Academy is a great next step for them and will allow them to access different rewards, as well as qualifying them to apply to the Derbyshire Sport Coach Bursary Fund for help with training costs.”

Barbara Hickmore , Partnership Development Manager for Chesterfield, added: “It is now hoped that all 150 young leaders will march onwards and undertake leadership in their area, ideally finding community placements.”