Local young coaches meet British Judo Champion at Stoke Mandeville Stadium

On 11th February schools across the county sent their sporting talent to the Young Coaches Conference Day organised by Bucks Sport. More than 150 young people aged 16 to 20 came to the event at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Buckinghamshire to find out about the world of sport coaching and to develop their own career potential. They were welcomed by international sportsman, Tom Davis, who won the Commonwealth Judo Championships and the British Championships in 2005. He welcomed them with his message: “Never underestimate your impact” before sharing his own inspirational story. Supported by the Youth Sport Trust, the programme for the day gave students the opportunity to take part in various National Governing Body Coach Awards, Sport Coach UK workshops and also the TOP Link Course, introduced by the Youth Sport Trust, to support 14 to 16 years to become leaders and volunteers in school-based sport.

This one day event at Stoke Mandeville Stadium provided young people with the opportunity to build on their existing experience and qualifications while trying new activities and meeting other young coaches across the county. Lee Mason, Director of Bucks Sport, explains: “So many activities were on offer during the day, giving young people a great snapshot of all the opportunities open to them. And the presence of local sporting clubs, local authorities and agencies, also provided them with the opportunity to explore career possibilities.” Certainly the students enjoyed the day with one reflecting: “It has helped me with my confidence, ideas and understanding of different coaching skills.” For others it also provided the opportunity for “meeting new people interested in the same things.”

Tom Davis was at hand to watch the young coaches develop their skills and encourage them throughout the day. Tom comments: “You never know where your inspiration for sport will come from. And having, and training, so many young people to provide quality experiences is massive. These young people aren’t just developing themselves, they’re inspiring others.” As a Young Ambassador for the Youth Sport Trust, Tom Davis is a great supporter of developing local role models. As well as working with the young coaches, he also assisted students from Aylesbury College who delivered the Top Link course. Working with the Mandeville School Sports Partnership, these students successfully planned and delivered this national course run by the Youth Sport Trust.

For pictures of the day in action please contact Melanie Quilter on 07917 350601. For more information about Bucks Sport and how it works in partnership with schools and organisation to improve the structure and delivery of sport in our county see www.buckssport.org.