Issue 5 - East Cambridgeshire District Council

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feature sport for youngsters Star-searching There are hundreds of sporting clubs based in the District – from bowling to football to athletics – which are all looking for new members. But how many realise there is a vast pool of untapped talent on their doorstep? Tony Taylorson finds out where clubs can go to find the next superstars – to me they are the key to the future survival of “Schools sporting clubs in the District. I am always amazed that they are not inundated with requests from people wanting to show why their sport is the best.” So says Tom Hickson, Sports Development Officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council as Fencing for the future Gerry Doe, who is in the process of setting up a new fencing club in East Cambridgeshire, agrees the key to success for a coach is to convey your enthusiasm to the youngsters. “Fencing can be very complex but I learnt a few years ago that, to get beginners into the sport, you have to keep it simple. Following the example of a master of the art, I say to people during taster sessions that there are only four moves to remember: straight, over, under and twiddle. “The value of getting into schools is that you can expose people to a sport which they wouldn’t normally play. Teaching children is great because if you can get them interested, then you can begin to programme into their muscles 16 he explains why he is working to bring schools and clubs closer together. “We have more than 25 schools in East Cambridgeshire which have thousands of children keen to find some sport or leisure activity that is right for them. They are not necessarily looking to become world champions, but they are looking for something they can enjoy. I have always thought clubs should be hammering down their doors to get access to such a well of talent and, let’s face it, membership. “This is why we are now working with schools and clubs to make them aware of the benefits of mutual cooperation. Every school in the District is working towards government targets to offer five hours of sport and physical activity in a week, so linking to local clubs can really help to reach this goal. “To be fair I don’t think anyone, until very recently, understood how the moves for them to use in the future. “I have found that the key is to give people praise and encouragement. Everyone reacts well to positive comments – it is human nature. So when I see someone has made their best effort in an area, I congratulate them and then we move onto another technique.That is the way to get people to relax and ensure they retain their interest enough to come and join a club. “For minority sports, good school and sport club links are vital.We are not as privileged as some areas in the country where a lot of money is spent honing future generations but I have learnt that money isn’t everything and by simplifying things, people can find a love for any new sport.” east cambridgeshire magazine summer 2008 schools and sporting clubs could link up effectively. I see it as being really important that we get this moving now before it is too late.” One of the people which Tom is working with is Di Baker at Witchford School Partnership. It is her job to act as a bridge between the sporting clubs and the schools, establishing links and making sure all the basic checks are done. “In the past I think many sporting clubs thought it was enough just to put a poster up at the local leisure centre to tell people Thousands of East Cambridgeshire children are keen to find sporting activity. “Times have changed and, to be honest, not many people bother to read notice boards anymore” about when they held their weekly meeting. But times have changed and this is possibly not the most effective way of communicating information. So in order to find new recruits for their clubs, they have to think smarter which is where we come in.. “To help them along, we are actively speaking to groups and clubs, explaining to them that I am here as a link from school to club. One of my roles is to sort out the paper work, ensure the basic things like criminal record, insurance and
first aid checks have been done. We then advertise to all the schools in that area. Schools are then able to contact the clubs direct and arrange taster sessions, assemblies etc. From there we can develop more formal links and get people involved in which ever sport it is. “While we aim to create fit and active children through this programme, we also want to bring a sense of community spirit to the clubs. For example, not everyone is Community spirit is as important as fitness and activity. driven to be the best at a sport but they may want to participate in other areas like volunteering or becoming officials. Sport is such a good way to make this possible.” For those who teach sport every day, like Sarah Denney at Witchford Village College, these club links and taster sessions can be invaluable for introducing new sports to young people – but only if they are done right. “The taster sessions are a great
Page 1: east cambridgeshire ISSUE 5 SUMMER
Page 4 and 5: feature Oliver Cromwell’s House D
Page 6 and 7: feature Oliver Cromwell’s House O
Page 8 and 9: feature new recycling centre Recycl
Page 10 and 11: feature conservation areas Past mod
Page 12 and 13: feature conservation areas not repe
Page 14 and 15: focus noise pollution Turning it do
Page 18 and 19: feature sport for youngsters “Chi
Page 20 and 21: photo focus strawberry growing 20 e
Page 22 and 23: feature days out A summer of fun Da
Page 24 and 25: feature days out Haddenham Steam En
Page 26: news from east cambs Maltings close
Page 29 and 30: Summary of 2007/08 accounts Details
Page 31 and 32: REFUSE Your weekly collection dates

Issue 5 - East Cambridgeshire District Council

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