Council helps coaches 'reach new levels'

by Gráinne Connolly

Mid Ulster District Council is investing in the future of sport by launching a new coaching education programme, aimed at those involved in sport at a grass-roots level. 

It's 'Reaching New Levels' programme is in association with the Performance Lab and will commence this month. 

It will provide opportunities for coaches, volunteers, leaders and officials to attain additional and/or new qualifications, that benefit individuals, teams and clubs. 

Recognising that many of those who would be interested are giving up their free time, most of the courses and talks will happen in bite size sessions in the evenings and at the weekends across the District. 

(Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Mark Glasgow at the launch of the programme, pictured with Marty Loughran, The Performance Lab and Eunan Murray, Senior Leisure Development Officer, Mid Ulster District Council.)

Safeguarding, Child Protection and First Aid are three of the most important issues that grass-roots sports development organisations face.

Therefore courses available will raise awareness of Child Protection issues in sport and introduce participants to the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport. 

A wide range of experts will also give advice on various aspects of performance improvement, covering sport psychology and nutrition.

The programme also focuses on improving skills for people with disabilities, with Disability Sport NI providing sessions on inclusive skills, autism and sports coaching. 

Other  sessions are targeted at those involved in football, swimming, athletic, futsal and provide IFA Level 1 and Fustal Level 1 qualifications for those participating. 

Two sessions delivered by Sport NI will also address generating income and growing your club. 

You can find out more information and what's happening at Cookstown Leisure Centre, Dungannon Leisure Centre, Meadowbank Sports Arena and Mid Ulster Sports Arena by visiting: www.midulstercouncil.org/coacheducation

The full programme and registration form is also included in the link above.