College announces Sports Leadership Academy status

Coleg Sir Gâr’s sports department has been awarded Sports Leadership Academy status.

This award is a stamp of approval from Sport Leaders UK in support of the college’s sports leadership activities, working with primary and secondary schools across the county as well as the vocational pathway awards offered to students from level one to level three, and the strong partnership links with governing bodies of sport, professional sports clubs, youth and community groups and Carmathenshire County Council’s Sport Development Unit.

Curriculum area head Nikki Neale, said: “It’s fantastic that all the work the sports department, staff and students, do in the community is being recognised in this way and that the college is one the first in Wales to be awarded this status.”

The award has set a quality benchmark at a national level in Wales and the scheme is to be rolled-out across the UK. The award marks the standard of coaching and leadership that students achieve as part of their sports courses. Level three students study a Community Sports Leaders Award in year one and a Higher Sports Leaders Award in year two to supplement their theoretical studies.

Between October 2011 and March 2012, the sports department has worked with over 3,000 children, delivering sports activities. Sports lecturer Amanda Daniels has co-ordinated the leadership activities. “Every academic year, we offer a very busy community programme,” she said.

“We work closely with Dragon Sport and the national governing bodies to run a variety of sport coaching sessions, festivals and tournaments.

“We also take coaches out to primary schools to deliver four-week coaching blocks. Students following the higher award work with pupils with disabilities, delivering sport and movement sessions. We’re all really thrilled that we’ve been awarded this status.”