Council to host 2009 sports coaching conference

[Sport]

Argyll and Bute Council will be holding a sports coaching conference in Oban to encourage more people to become coaches.

The conference is designed to address the aims of the Council’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy by increasing the number of coaches in Argyll and Bute, developing the quality of coaching and encouraging a general increase in sports participation and physical activity levels. The programme also reflects the Scottish Government’s Reaching Higher Strategy for Sport.

The Council's Spokesperson for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Douglas Philand, said: "This unique event will take place over one weekend on 7th and 8th February 2009, and has a number of distinct elements that will appeal to a wide range of people who are currently involved in sport or who would like to take the first step into sports coaching.

"Through the Active Schools Programme an increasing number of young people are being attracted into sports coaching, whether to help out at after school clubs or in the wider community. Over the weekend many of these volunteers will participate in sports coaching awards and will also have their own young leaders course, mentored by experts in volunteering and sports coaching.

"Football, rugby, netball and shinty will be well represented over the weekend, with coaching courses and a coaches clinic being hosted by the Council’s development officers. New courses in 2009 include golf, cricket and weightlifting - reflecting the growth of interest in these sports and activities across the area.

"Target areas like planning a good sports event, funding for clubs and valuing volunteers will also be covered in workshops when the emphasis is on the club and how to strengthen and grow membership.

"I would encourage anyone with an interest in sports coaching to go along to this beneficial event and hope that we beat last year's total of 250 participants."

Outdoor sports will also be well represented, with courses in trail cycling, canoeing, kayaking and orienteering. The recent growth of orienteering in the area through the Stramash schools programme and the Argyll and Bute Orienteering Partnership means that a plan for the development of instructors at various levels is needed. There are courses over the weekend to learn about teaching, coaching and participating in orienteering.

The event will also mark the launch of the ‘Foundation Certificate’ for working with children in sport, incorporating child protection, first aid and good practice and, for existing coaches who want to increase their knowledge, there are also a series of Sportscoach UK sessions on nutrition, strength and conditioning, working with disabled athletes, and child protection.

The event is the second of its kind in Argyll and Bute and is fairly unique in Scotland. It reflects the Council’s desire to increase participation in physical activity and attack social inequalities through getting people more active in our unique environment.

The conference will be held between 9am and 5pm on Saturday 7th February in Oban High School; and on Sunday 8th February in Atlantis Leisure, Oban.

For further information, contact Willie Young on 01546 604121.

[Sport]

Some more information on the Sports Conference in Oban in February.

Who is this Event for?

* Sports Coaches
* Teachers
* Club Leaders
* Youth Workers
* Community Voiunteers
* Club Committees
* Individuals

Sports Qualifications
Coach Support
Club Development
Personal Development
Foundation for Coaching

* Courses Tutored by experienced Governing Bodies of Sport
* Certificates of attendance for all participants
* Refreshments and Lunch provided
* FREE conference pack lot all delegates

Pick up a programme from Sport and Leisure Centres, Active Schools coordinators or download from the links below

COURSES FROM £30
BOOK EARLY!

Sports Conference 2009 Booking form

Sports Conference Programme 2009