West Dunbartonshire Active School’s Step Up to Sports Coaching programme is looking to build upon the future of sport in the area. The programme is generating meaningful pathways for young people to develop in sport and physical activity and inspiring the next generation of coaches – through developing skills and building confidence.
Creating Pathways
Delivered through a strong partnership between West Dunbartonshire Active Schools, WDC Youth Learning and Working4U, the programme has been designed to provide targeted opportunities for young people with an interest in sports coaching. Piloted in Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School and Vale of Leven Academy, 27 pupils from secondary 3 to secondary 5 took part in a structured series of seven after-school sessions.
At the heart of the programme was the Active Schools programme. Identifying pupils who have an existing interest in coaching and providing them with a clear development pathway, the Active Schools team have played a critical role in turning that enthusiasm into tangible pathway towards additional skills and qualifications.
Confidence and Qualifications
Working collaboratively with key partners including sportscotland, St Andrew’s First Aid and the WDL Sports Youth Group, the programme was able to off participants a well-rounded introduction into what sports coaching can be. Pupils were given the opportunity to develop practical coaching skills alongside an understanding of wellbeing and first aid. Hopefully ensuring that they were equipped not only to lead activity, but to do so safely and as inclusively as possible. The impact has been immediate.
All 27 pupils who took part in the programme have successfully achieved an SCQF Level 3 qualification, marking an important first step in their coaching journey.
More importantly, they are now actively applying their learning and volunteering within their schools and local communities to support the delivery of sport and physical activity.
Developing Young Leaders and Role Models
A similar impact was seen at Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, where the programme has helped pupils develop the skills and confidence needed to become positive role models within the local authority. By fostering an inclusive environment and equipping young people to support others, the course has empowered participants to influence the experiences of their peers and younger pupils in a meaningful way.
The success of the Step Up to Sports Coaching programme has underlined the importance of Active Schools as a connector – and as a potential feeder for future coaches in the area. Through this coordinated approach, young people are not only gaining qualifications, but also building the confidence, responsibility and leadership skills that will support them in future education, employment and volunteering pathways.
West Dunbartonshire are creating a sustainable model that develops young people, strengthens opportunity in the community and ensures more children and young people have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being active.
