Students volunteer in leadership programme
Young people from Lincolnshire Football Association have supported the delivery of Holiday and Food clubs at Boston United Football Club and North Somercotes CE Primary School this year.
Twelve students from Somercotes Academy; Ruby Robinson, Lacey Becskehazy, Izzy Picker, Evie Locking, Amelia Cunliffe, Jessica Pickard, Liberty Hartshorne, Amy Hanley, Penelope Shaw, Mia Stubbs, Alisha Drewry and Charlotte Prendergast were involved in the Somercotes HAF Club.
The Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) is a government funded programme providing free clubs during school holidays for primary and secondary school pupils.
Between them, all twelve students volunteered across four days and were commended for their professionalism.
The programme provides the opportunity to complete their qualifications, and achieving a Lincolnshire Lioness Certificate from Youth Sports Trust as part of the Girls’ Football School Partnerships for demonstrating excellent leadership and coaching skills and a commitment to growing girls’ sport and equal opportunities And has allowed them to develop crucial and transferable skills.
They have gained confidence as a result of the experience.
Holiday Camp Manager at JB’s Sports Coaching, Danny Bent said: “Staff that worked with the students, had nothing but praise for them.
Their participation involved delivery to small groups, organising activities and working with children who needed extra support to allow the activity to be as engaging as possible.
They were very well liked by the children attending the camps and we would be happy to have them back in the summer!”
PE Teacher from Somercotes Academy, Jess Riddell confirmed the impact on the opportunity and stated: “students built upon their confidence, leadership and developed their teamwork skills from attending the HAF club.
Curriculum Leader for PE at Somercotes Academy, Chris Prendergast said: “These twelve girls have continued the fantastic work that we have already done through the Girls Active programme within the Academy at promoting girl’s sport and participation. The Girls learnt valuable key skills and knowledge so that they can continue to make a difference within Girls’ sport, and path the way for younger girls within the Academy and within the community to get involved and share the love for sport and participation.”
They supported the delivery of a range of activities such as ‘Capture the Flag’, tennis, dodgeball and basketball.”
The Lincolnshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme partnered with the Lincolnshire Football Association.
This partnership enabled and supported young females in the completion of the Lincolnshire Lionesses Leadership programme by providing the opportunity to deliver physical activity.
Lincolnshire FA Development Officer, Cissy Radford said: “It’s so brilliant that Lincolnshire FA and HAF have been able to work together. Some of the participants on Lincolnshire FA’s Lionesses Leadership Course from Boston United Football Club have completed the practical part of their course at the HAF Easter Camps.
These girls delivered fun football sessions to children of varying ages.
It was fantastic to see the girls delivering and giving back in their local community settings, all while promoting the benefits of staying active and healthy.”
The Lincolnshire Lionesses Leadership programme provides an opportunity for females, over the age of 14, to improve their skills, knowledge and understanding of female sports development in Lincolnshire and to be role models to other females.
