Young Leaders of the Future

Every Thursday a group of 20 year 8 and 9 Bishopsford students can be found in the sports hall, running games and exercises for primary age children from the local area. They have been selected to follow an intensive programme in sports leadership and will receive recognised certification from the Leadership Academy.

The students give up two hours a week and spend the first hour in the classroom, planning the activities before the youngsters arrive. They then set up the apparatus and run the children through stretches and warm-ups before helping them to learn and develop new skills.

Ahmed, age 13, is one of the Young Sports Leaders: "I had to go to the trials and then we had to write down reasons why we would make a good sports leader and I got through. I want to help other people improve their skills. It’s good to see the kids improving and we do something different each week".

The evenings are well attended, with around 20 children aged between 3 and 7 coming regularly. Jimmy, age 7 said "I enjoy it because every time I come here all my mates are here and it’s really fun". One mum said: "My daughter is 7 and goes to Cranmer Primary. I think it’s worth coming down because there are a lot of things for them to do here and a lot of kids their own age. They’re safe and it’s good to keep them busy and give them things to do."

Lee Prichard, School Sports Co-ordinator for the Merton Schools Sports Partnership commented: "This programme provides an excellent opportunity for Bishopsford students to gain the necessary skills and experience required to lead young people in structured physical activity. They are excellent role models for their peers and the young people they are working with."