Students foster Olympic spirit
2 September 2008
Southampton's prospects of producing the Olympic sports stars of tomorrow have been given a boost thanks to a new partnership between the city council and Southampton Solent University.
From September, coaching staff and students studying for sports degrees will teach everything from athletics to rugby to pupils at a number of schools across the city. Just four years ahead of London 2012, it is hoped the partnership will increase physical activity and participation in team activities, as well as allowing students to pick up important leadership experience.
Southampton Solent University's Coach and Education Development Officer, Paul Davies at said: "This is a superb opportunity for our students to work within the local community and make a real difference. Schools we have already worked with have been highly proactive in appreciating the importance of physical activity as part of a young person's development. We are looking forward to building on these relationships, and what better time to do so than off the back of Team GB's success".
Southampton City Council has invested £50,000 in the first year of the scheme, with long term plans to roll out student coaching to schools across the city from September 2009.
Councillor Jeremy Moulton said: "Southampton Solent University is at the heart of the city community and is keen to share its expertise with us. With the London 2012 Olympics coming up fast, we want to ensure our young people's sporting aspirations are matched by opportunities to take part in activities. We are delighted to be working with the university's students on this important project to increase the number of young people taking up sport."
The programme of sports will be determined with each school depending on their requirements, but will include football, tag Rugby, cricket, tennis and basketball.
Media opportunity
Media are invited to a sports demonstration at one of the participating schools - Upper Shirley High, in Bellemoor Road, Southampton, where they will meet some of the pupils and students hoping to gain from the city council and University partnership. The media opportunity takes place at 1pm on Friday September 5.
For more information about Southampton City Council, contact Claire Hall on 023 8083 3910.
For more information about Southampton Solent University, contact Sarah-Jayne Wareham on 023 8031 9040.
Issued by: Claire Hall on 023 8083 3910
For more news, information and developments from Southampton City Council go to our online press office at www.southampton.gov.uk/news/default.asp||