June 2009 £2.75Sport and fitness for today’s youth

By Louise Cordell

THE future of physical education as weknow it is at risk following a wide rang-ing curriculum review, according tothe Association for Physical Education.

The most detailed review of the pri-mary curriculum in a decade has beenslammed by the association for reduc-ing the importance and visibility ofsports lessons.

The new recommendations, pub-lished by former Ofsted chief Sir JimRose, aim to replace the 11 subjectsprimaries must cover by law with six‘areas of learning’. In the new curricu-lum, PE would come under one ofthese umbrella areas – ‘UnderstandingPhysical Development, Health andWellbeing’ which would include thingssuch as mental health, money man-agement and drug abuse.

But Professor Margaret Talbot, afPEchief executive, believes PE is impor-tant enough to be part of the curricu-lum in its own right.

She added: “Physical education is theonly school subject which is expectedto make major contributions tonational health and sport strategies.

“So it is disappointing that thisreview has failed to recognise its dis-

tinctive value and has reduced itsimportance and visibility – resulting ina direct threat to its continuing placein the primary curriculum.”

As well as the topics currently cov-ered in PE lessons, the new area oflearning would include lessons aboutrelationships, enterprise skills andissues surrounding drugs and alcohol.

Pupils would also be taught to useICT safely, recognise discriminationand bullying and to understand theinfluence of the media.

Margaret added: “Right across theworld, where PE has been subsumedunder an umbrella title, it has all butdisappeared. At a time when the UKshould be seen to be delivering on itscommitment to a lasting Olympiclegacy for children and young people,it is sad that the future of their physi-cal education is apparently at risk.”

A public consultation of the RoseReview is now set to take place, led bythe Qualifications and CurriculumAuthority.

Margaret added: “We plan to make astrong representation to restore physi-cal education to the central position inthe primary curriculum which it, andthe nation’s children, deserve.”

Future of PEis at risk,claims afPE

Safety putsbrake oncyclingto schoolMILLIONS of childrenwould prefer to cycle toschool but are preventedby safety concerns accord-ing to a new survey.

Cycling England ques-tioned nine to 11 year oldsfrom around the countryto find out why only oneper cent of them rode theirbikes to and from school.

Over a third claimed thattheir parents thoughtcycling was too dangerousand 29 per cent felt theydid not have the skills tokeep safe on the roads.

Despite this, over halfthought that cycling wasmore fun than travellingby car and 80 per centenjoyed the exercise,which left them moreawake and ready forlessons.

Paul Robison, CyclingEngland’s bikeability man-ager, said: “Concern aboutsafety is entirely naturalbut cycling is a life skill,and one that childrenwant to master.

“I urge schools to comeforward and take upBikeability training as partof the push to get morechildren cycling.”

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Contacts www.futurefitness.uk.net

Can beingactive makekids brainier?SCIENTISTS are hoping to persuadeschools to get children active byrevealing the link between exerciseand intelligence.

Researchers at the University ofGlasgow are set to launch a study tofind out if being active makes chil-dren brainier by looking at data onphysical activity and cognitive func-tion. Previous research has shownthat while modern children do nottake much exercise, attempts to pro-mote more activity often fail.

It is hoped that by proving exercisecan improve brain function, parentsand schools will have another reasonto encourage kids to take up sport.

Lead researcher Professor JohnReilly said: “We know that exercisehas many benefits for the body, butmost of these are long-term and donot provide a strong incentive forchildren, families or schools to exer-cise more. If we can find other, moreimmediate benefits of exercise wehope we can give people another rea-son to engage in physical activity.

“If a proven link is demonstrated,the study could have importantimplications for schools, highlightingthe academic gains that might be

realised through more physical edu-cation in the curriculum.”

The research team plan to use infor-mation on activity levels collectedfrom 6,000 members of the Childrenof the 90s study in Bristol. Activitylevels, which were monitored everyyear from age 11, will be combinedwith cognitive measurements whichexamine memory, IQ and attentionspan, amongst other factors.

Dr Reilly added: “There is plenty ofanecdotal evidence amongst teachersthat children who are more physicallyactive have generally better cognitivefunction. What we want to do is tosee if we can establish that this is thecase, to find out how much exercise ittakes and how quickly results mightbe seen. Previous studies with ani-mals conducted at other institutionsshow a very strong link between exer-cise and improved cognitive function.So we think positive correlationsbetween exercise and cognitive func-tion such as improved attentionspan, memory, ability to plan, multi-tasking and problem solving are alsolikely in children.”

Research is expected to be complet-ed and results revealed by July 2010.

Runners aiming to raise money for youthsports charity StreetGames have been given ahelping hand by Olympian athlete DianeModahl.A group planning to compete in the BUPAGreat Manchester Run to raise funds took partin a training session with the four timesOlympic athlete and former Commonwealth800m champion. Diane works as an ambassa-dor for the charity and passed on training tipsand techniques to help them prepare for the10km challenge in May.Pictured, from left: Paula Dunn, Melissa Marsh,Diane Modahl and Shaun Brennan

Athlete Dianegives charityrunners a leg up ...

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By Louise Cordell

A CHILD nutrition expert who provides activity and healthy eatingadvice to schools is lobbying the government to get the scheme pro-vided free in every primary in thecountry.

Dr Jennie Cockroft runs ThePhunkyFoods’ initiative which isalready used in 550 schools nation-wide and so far its directors havereceived a positive response to theirambitious plan.

She is now set to meet with theHome Secretary at one of their flag-ship schools to demonstrate the kindof improvements that can be made.

Jennie, PhunkyFood’s nutritionaldirector, said: “Our aim is to helpevery school achieve all of the gov-ernment’s health and wellbeing tar-gets.

“We have found that the pro-gramme has a very positive impacton changing behaviour and attitudesfor both pupils and teachers.”

The PhunkyFood scheme waslaunched in 2005 by nutrition expertsPurely Nutrition and Northern Foodsand provides resources for an houreach week learning about healthyeating and an hour of physical activi-ty for every year group.

The 36-week programme gets kidsactive using art, drama, music, playand hands on experience with food.

Jennie added: “Teachers have todeal with the challenge of a packedcurriculum together with the require-ment to provide a health and wellbe-ing programme.

“It is also the case that in manyschools, no one person has beengiven the responsibility or the tools toachieve this.

“This way they can be sure they areproviding correct, specialist nutri-tional knowledge as well as sessionsof physical activity that are backed upwith the theory and safety informa-tion behind it.”

The company also offers a speciallydeveloped City and Guild qualifica-tion in Nutrition and Health of

School Aged Children for the profes-sional development of teachers andassistants.

Jennie added: “We introduced thequalification two years ago and havehad a massive uptake from everyonefrom teachers to school nurses.

“We devised it for those who want-ed more confidence and wanted tobe sure that they were teaching themost up to date information.

“It has been so successful we arenow considering adding more cours-es as, once they start, people reallywant to keep extending their knowl-edge.”

The company also helps schools tolink up with projects and people inthe local community that allow thepupils to experience a wider range ofsports and activities.

Call for healthy eatingscheme to be rolledout to every primary

Funding offerhelps bid toprovide freesports accessPLAY Sport London is helping to provide free access to sport in anattempt to get people of all ages andabilities active.

Clubs and organisations can apply for funding of up to £1,500 to deliver coaching sessions,festivals and open days that willencourage more people to take partin sport.

A key aim of the programme is toprovide quality coaching and longterm participation opportunities as alegacy from the 2012 LondonOlympics.

Applicants are being encouraged to provide as much detail about their activity as possible to show how it meets the scheme’s criteria.

The activities must take place between July 1 and September30 2009, be free of charge to partici-pants and have clear exit routes forongoing exercise opportunities.

They should also be inclusive of disabled people and aim for 50 percent participation from minoritygroups and females.

To apply for a Play Sport London grant, visit www.playsport-londonapplications.co.uk.

The closing date is May 22 2009.

TASTER sessions designed to introduceteenage girls to boxing were held at awomen-only gym in Sheffield.

The Amateur Boxing Association ofEngland (ABAE) teamed up with theclub to offer the sessions as part of theFIA’s Go programme, designed toencourage girls in years ten and 11 totake up sport.

Go Box was held at Ladyzone, withgirls from Silverdale School and the

gym’s own staff taking part. ABAE President and MP Richard

Caborn also attended the session to seehow they could encourage women andgirls to get involved in the sport.

Information on boxing clubs was dis-tributed following the session, and it isnow hoped that Go Box tasters will beincluded in other Go programmesacross the country.� Pictured: Richard Caborn with Ladyzonestaff and the girls.

Teenage girls take a swing at Go Box taster sessions

Martial arts showcased at festivalA LEICESTER gym owner has staged ahuge festival to teach kids and theirparents about the different benefitsof martial arts.

Kwoklyn Wan, owner of the UrbanMartial Arts gym, decided to hold theevent after seeing the popularity ofhis classes with young people riseover the last few years.

He said: “We wanted to providesomething that would give people ofall ages and backgrounds the chanceto see and try out many differentstyles, some of which they mightnever have heard of.

“Martial arts can provide so manybenefits, from fitness to improvedconfidence and self esteem – so wewant to get as many people as possi-ble involved.”

The April event was held atParklands Leisure Centre in Oadbyand included fight demonstrations,tournaments, workshops and a rangeof fund raising stalls.

There were also appearances fromseveral celebrity guests like Kwoklyn’sbrother, Gok Wan of ‘How to LookGood Naked’ fame, who turned up tosupport the event’s charity, Kidscape.

He helped to raise funds by giving atalk on how martial arts can helpanti-bullying campaigns throughdeveloping confidence and selfesteem in young people.

Other guests included ChrisCrudelli of ‘Mind, Body and Kick AssMoves’ and film star Silvio Simac whoappeared in the film ‘Unleashed’ withBob Hoskins and Jet Li.

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A NORTH Hampshire pupil hassmashed an indoor rowing worldrecord by more than three hours.

12-year-old Katie Metalli, picturedabove, broke the one to 12 yearshalf marathon indoor rowingrecord at the Northcroft LeisureCentre this month.

The previous record of four hours,48 minutes and nine seconds hadbeen unbeaten since 2004 but Katiecompleted the row in just one hour,43 minutes and 40.6 seconds.

She said: “I received a personalgood luck e-mail from Rebecca

Romero (2004 Olympic silver row-ing medallist) and had it in front ofme on the day.

“With about seven or eight kilo-metres left to row it really made thedifference and I thought of herOlympic victory and that spurredme on.”

Katie has now joined the ranks ofjust 42 other lightweight womenwho have completed the halfmarathon distance in the last 12months and is now the 25th fastestlightweight female, or any agegroup, in the world this year.

Obesity fightsees launch of£30m schemeBy Louise Cordell

LONDON will soon be setting up box-ing academies, street athletics pro-grammes and mobile swimmingpools in an attempt to combat risingobesity levels.

A new £30m campaign has beenlaunched by London Mayor BorisJohnson as part of a scheme toincrease physical activity in the capi-tal by investing in grass roots sports.

‘A Sporting Future For London’ hasbeen set up in partnership with SportEngland and will be put into practiceby a new London Community SportsBoard, chaired by SportsCommissioner Kate Hoey.

It is hoped that the scheme will alsohelp London become the firstOlympic host to produce a sustainedincrease in participation as a result ofthe Games.

The Mayor said: “The 2012 Games isa once in a lifetime chance toincrease sport participation andactivity, tackle social and healthinequalities and bring the capital’scommunities together.

“This plan will set in motion the

tools needed to build on the manyexciting projects and partnershipsthat are already in place, as well asproviding new solutions.”

Currently, more than one fifth ofchildren in the capital are classed asobese, with 50 per cent of Londonersdefined as ‘inactive’ – costing theNHS £105m per year.

The aim is to tackle this problem byimproving access to a wider range ofsports to create a lasting ‘grass rootssport legacy’.

Plans include funding six boxingacademies, a street athletics pro-gramme for ten to 19 year olds andtwo mobile pools which will beassembled at schools or communityhalls in order to get an additional10,000 children swimming each year.

Sue Campbell, Youth Sports Trustchair, said: “If we are to deliver fivehours of high quality PE and sport forall young people in London it isimperative that there is collaborationacross all the agencies and that wework well together – and in thatregard the Mayor’s commitment tothis project is very encouraging.”

Victory oar for young Katie

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By Mary Ferguson

THE future generation of unsungsports heroes came together for afour-day camp managed by theYouth Sport Trust.

Around 300 young sports leadersand volunteers from across the UKattended the 2009 Step into SportCamp to develop their skills as pos-itive role models and learn newcoaching qualifications.

The camp, this year themed ‘YourJourney, Your Impact’, wasdesigned to help ensure moreyoung people are inspired tobecome involved in sports leader-ship and volunteering.

British Olympians DarrenCampbell and Katharine Merryopened and closed the camp,which was held at LoughboroughUniversity.

The youngsters aged between 14and 19 were selected to attend bytheir school sport partnership.

Former elite athletes led work-shops including ‘What does it taketo be a role model?’ and providedopportunities for the young peopleto gain nationally recognised quali-fications in 20 sports.

Darren said: “Volunteers are thebackbone of all levels of sport inour country and it is encouragingto see so many young people beingsupported to develop upon theirleadership skills and contributing

to their communities. The impactthat volunteers have on sportshould never be underestimated.”

Sport relies on 1.5 million volun-teer officials, coaches, administra-tors and managers, while up to70,000 volunteers will be needed tohelp put on the London 2012Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of

the Youth Sport Trust, added: “Onreturning to their schools andcommunities, we want the young-sters to use what they have learnedthrough the camp and engageother young people in PE andsport.”

The Step into Sport Camp formspart of the national Step into Sportprogramme, which is delivered by

the Youth Sport Trust, SportEngland, Sports Leaders UK and national governing bodies ofsport.

The Step into Sport Programme isfunded by the Department forCulture, Media and Sport (DCMS)and fits within the Government’sPE and Sport Strategy for YoungPeople (PESSYP).

Youngsters meet the stars at camp

Darren Campbell with some camp delegates

Helmets should be compulsoryon school ski trips – AfPEHELMETS should be compulsorysafety wear for school groups on skitrips according to the latestAssociation for Physical Educationrecommendations.

The suggestion has been made fol-lowing the introduction of similarlegislation in many European coun-tries and the organisation has calledon schools to plan for their provision.

Glen Beaumont, afPE health andsafety officer, said: “Essentially thedebate has shifted from ‘do I need towear a helmet?’ towards ‘provide rea-sons for not wearing one’ – a subtlebut significant re-alignment in thepursuit of safe practice and managingrisk. We remain totally committed togiving children and young people

access to a broad range of demandingand physically challenging activities –but always within the context ofacceptable risk.

“These judgments are usually basedon factual evidence and probability,but in addition the severity of poten-tial injury has to be considered.

“Getting things wrong in sky divingor mountaineering brings graver con-sequences than, say, orienteering.”

The recommendation also pointsout that, on all counts, many accept-ed activities can be a more dangerousprospect than skiing. For example,rugby football is responsible for 300hospital visits per 10,000 hours ofparticipation, but skiing results injust 40.

Free sports activities for pupils to help cope with exam stressPUPILS on study leave in NorthLanarkshire Council secondaryschools will get free gym membershipand access to swimming and classesto help them cope with the stress ofexams.

North Lanarkshire Leisure hasteamed up with the council to offerfree all-inclusive health and fitnessmemberships at 11 leisure facilities,through its Access NL scheme, forthose on study leave in school yearsS5 and S6.

Although the free membership peri-

od will come to an end after exams, pupils will be able to continuetheir programme by taking advantage of a special promotionaloffer.

Chief executive of NorthLanarkshire Leisure Blane Doddssaid: “We are confident that pupils will benefit hugely from thisscheme, both in terms of their physical fitness and from the addedmental edge that can come fromexercise during their all importantstudy period.”

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Martyn Songhurst

As the only school sports co-ordinator on the Isles of Scilly, Martyn Songhurst had hiswork cut out when it came to improving PE facilities for the local kids. However, hisachievements are now being celebrated after he was named an ‘Unsung Hero’ by theDaily Telegraph’s School Sport Matters Awards.

SINCE starting as head of PE at FiveIslands School on the Isles of Scillysix years ago, Martyn Songhurst hastaken sport provision to a new level.

Students are now able to access arange of sporting opportunities andhe has also increased curriculumtime for sport across all ages.

He said: “Looking back to six yearsago, the lack of sports opportunitiesfor the kids was awful – there werenot very good facilities at all.

“There was one small indoor spacethat could only be used for gymnas-tics, one small playground, a smalltennis court and a grass area that wasjust big enough for seven-a-side foot-ball, but that had to be marked outwith cones every time we wanted toplay.”

When he arrived there were onlythree pupils taking GCSE PE, but thisnumber has now risen to 12 – out ofthe 20 pupils in the year group.

He added: “I just tried to raise theprofile of PE in the school and in thelocal community, and luckily every-

one seemed to embrace it. “It had been run haphazardly,

so I tried to tighten everything upand make the best of the facilities wehad.

“I did this by adapting lesson plans,depending on which class I wasteaching, to try and make it as muchfun as possible for the pupils.”

Things are now set to improve fur-ther with a new school build due tobe completed in September.

The new premises will include asports hall, gym and a full-sized foot-

ball pitch, which Martyn hopes willprovide a chance for even more kidsto get involved.

He added: “I think when it comes toPE, if you make the effort then thekids will as well – for example when Iand people from the communityhave set up after school clubs therehas been a great response.

“Overall there is a huge enthusiasmfor sport here when the kids are givena chance – and I think that the newfacilities will increase this even fur-ther.”

GETTING his pupils involved inlocal competitions is a particularchallenge for the Five Islandshead of sport, as a visit to themainland means hiring a helicop-ter.

Taking the kids, plus supervisorson a competition trip can costover £160 per person and, as aresult, they rarely had the oppor-tunity to show off their talents.

However, Martyn Songhurst hasworked to raise over £35,000 forlocal charities – and one of theseis the School Sports Fund – whichhelps out with paying for thesetrips.

Pupils have now had the chanceto take part in competitionsincluding surfing, golf, volleyballand indoor rowing.

Martyn is also now trying to findother schools to join up with tomake up numbers for football and

rugby teams, which could thenjoin local leagues.

He said: “For us, getting involvedin this kind of thing does notcome cheap – for example werecently took four pupils to theCounty Indoor RowingChampionship on the mainlandwhich cost over £850.

“But it was well worth it as oneof them ended up being countychampion – the first one that theScilly Isles has ever produced. It isso important to give kids thechance to compete – no matterwhat the cost is, because when itcomes to sport you can practice –but at the end of the day you needto put your skills to the test.

“The kids really love the experi-ence and they are always so keento get off the island and take anyopportunity to develop theirskills.”

How Mr Songhurst brought PEto the fore on Isles of Scilly

Helicopter drafted in totake kids to competitions

Pupils at Europe’s largest special needsschool are benefiting from the use of fourZigZag Sportwalls – introduced to helpengage the children in physical activity.Whitefield Schools and Centre inWalthamstow – which operates as threeseparate specialist schools catering for 300pupils – installed the equipment into theschool’s new sports hall.Specialism leader for physical development Iain Burnside said:

“ZigZag’s Sportwalls are a fantastic asset to the school because they allowboth higher functioning and lower functioning children to participate in phys-ical activity.“They’ve already made a significantimprovement in hand eye co-ordinationfor a number of our children, and helpedto engage more pupils in physical activitydue to the action/reaction and light andsound sensory stimulus.”

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Former Gladiator and athlete Kate Staples has revealed plans to open a bootcamp dedi-cated to children’s fitness. Kate who already runs an adult version – Adventure BootCamps – is hoping to expand into the kids’ fitness market after achieving success with herexisting camps. Olympic athlete Daley Thompson – who is one of the company directors –is also involved in the project.

School netsnew field –thanks toparents ...By Mary Ferguson

AN enterprising primary school hasused parent power to construct a newPE facility for its pupils.

Little Dewchurch CE PrimarySchool in Hereford now has a sportsfield and changing rooms after par-ents joined forces to raise money androlled up their sleeves.

To help obtain a lottery grant of£10,000, they raised £3,000 from asupermarket trolley dash and did allthe physical work themselves –meaning the only person the schoolhad to employ was an electrician.

Head teacher Sue Sumner said:“When the kids change for PE wedon’t have clothes scattered all overthe classrooms and library and wedon’t have muddy football bootstreading through the school.

“As part of being a Healthy School,we want to encourage physical activi-ty as an integral part of an activelifestyle, helping our children toremain happy, healthy and ready to

learn. Getting them outside in thefresh air, rather than being confinedto the school hall, has really had aremarkable impact and has helpedmake that vision possible.”

Since building the new facilities, theschool – which has just 47 pupils –has been able to extend its range ofsports provision and has linked upwith a tag rugby coach from theirfeeding school, Hereford Academy.

A weekly football club now takesplace and the school can host friend-ly matches with others in the area.

The field is leased for ‘peppercornrent’ from the Duchy of Cornwall andthe local authority paid for it to bedrained, levelled and fenced. Theschool is now planning to rent thefacilities to the local community.

Sue added: “All in all, the new fieldand changing facilities have had amassive impact and are really helpingus to move forward as a HealthySchool which actively embracesphysical activity and promotes posi-tive behaviour patterns for later life.”

By Christina Eccles

A DEDICATED fitness facility hasopened for young people in Barnsleywhich includes one of the area’slargest interactive dance rooms.

The M Zone is the result of a part-nership between Barnsley YouthServices and Barnsley PremierLeisure after extensive consultationwith the 13-19 age group regardingtown centre facilities.

As well as the dance facilities, visi-tors can also use a 13-piece fitnesssuite, where the equipment has beenspecifically designed for young peo-ple using air valves and pressuregauges instead of traditional weights.

To make the fitness suite as appeal-ing as possible, a local graffiti artistwas also commissioned to provideartwork for the centre.

Rachel Barraclough from Barnsley

Youth Services said: “So far the MZone has had fantastic feedback fromyoung people, with the attendancesreflecting the young people’sapproval of the facilities. Young peo-ple have waited along time for a facil-ity such as this in Barnsley and fromtheir comments to us they feel it’sbeen well worth the wait.”

The M Zone also has an internetcafé, where young people can have

free access to the internet and a chill-out area.

Chief executive of Barnsley PremierLeisure James Starbuck added: “TheM Zone is a really fantastic facilityand unlike any other in the area, hasinstructors on hand to design indi-vidual fitness programmes. Youngpeople can also use the internet caféfor their schoolwork or leisure, whichis also proving really popular.”

New fitness facility in step with young people

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GEORGE Kubu worked as a catama-ran sailing instructor and was a keensnowboarder before his accident inMarch 2000, but even two and a halfyears of intensive therapy and reha-bilitation couldn’t recapture his origi-nal fitness levels.

He was determined to get his oldlifestyle back and turned to skippingas a way to improve his stamina, spa-tial awareness, coordination, balanceand endurance.

He was so impressed with theresults he went on to gain qualifica-tions in beginner, intermediate andadvanced skipping coaching andstarted up his own company at thebeginning of 2008.

George said: “Skipping just has somany great benefits I thought it wasreally important to bring it intoschools – kids get so much out of itand anyone can take part.

“It is also about trying to get theactivity back out there – my genera-tion all know how to skip because itwas passed on to us, but that is notthe case for many pupils in schoolstoday.

“It has been dying out but I think itis essential to bring it back.”

George and his coaches teach agespecific skills to each class through-out the day and then bring all thepupils together for a ‘skipping cele-bration’ to demonstrate their newabilities.

So far the company has visited over200 schools, and half have invited

them back. He has found that despite initial

reservations, the classes are just aspopular with boys as with girls and allthe pupils are keen to keep it up byjoining the online Skipping Cup,which gives them the opportunity tocompete on a regional basis.

He added: “Girls are no better atskipping than boys – it’s just socialstereotyping. So we talk to all thepupils about the benefits of the activ-ity and once the boys discover howmany boxers and martial arts expertsuse it as an essential fitness skill, theyare soon keen to get involved.

“Then, once they have got the bug,the online competition gives themthe incentive they need to keepimproving and keep active.”

George also points out the benefitsare not just fitness based – manyschool have commented on how anincrease in skipping has improvedthe whole culture of the playground.

Teachers have reported kids gettingalong much better when they have ashared interest and that they will‘police’ themselves when they have agroup activity where cooperationmeans success.

He added: “Many schools have usback every term because of the wideranging benefits. They have foundhow well exercise can help focus thechildren – it can burn off energy inthe morning, snap them out oflethargy in the afternoon and basical-ly keep them ready for learning.”

Skipping helped GeorgeKubu regain his fitnessafter a snowboardingaccident left himconfined to a wheelchair.Now George, picturedbelow, is helping a newgeneration enjoy itsbenefits with hisSkipping for Schoolsprogrammes. LouiseCordell reports.

How Georgeropes kidsinto skipping

Wii drafted into the gym in pilot schemePUPILS at schools in New York areusing computer games to keep fitin PE lessons.

The Nintendo Wii console hasbeen moved into school gyms

and the pilot scheme in fiveschools in the city is aimed atestablishing whether the technology can get more childreninterested in sport.

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By Louise Cordell

KIDS with a talent for urban danceare being scouted on the streets ofSwindon and given coaching as partof a special project.

The scheme, run by the YouthDance Academy, aims give gifted chil-dren the opportunity to pursue a pro-fessional career in dance and theweekly training sessions help themdevelop skills in styles including pop-ping, street dance, b-boy, housedance, free styling and tricks.

Vicki Bailey, project manager, said:“We have known for a long time thatthere is a need for specialised train-ing, because there are a lot of differ-ent pathways out there for dancebased careers, but nothing specificfor urban performers.”

The programme started in Januaryand auditions have started againfor the programme’s next intake inSeptember.

The 25 students taking part wereselected through a series of openauditions and school visits by a team

of professional dancers, choreogra-phers and teachers.

Vicki added: “Other kinds ofdancers, like ballet and jazz, are usu-ally trained from a young age andthese kids don’t have that formalpractice. But they do have so muchpassion that they work hard to learnthe skills they need by themselvesand spend all their free time practic-ing – it is a unique kind of talent, butyou know it when you see it.”

The students are also taught someballet and contemporary dance, inorder to help them audition for thenext level of training at danceschools.

Vicki added: “Currently there is nohigher training course that isfocussed on urban dance, whichmeans that some of the kids areslightly limited in what they canmove on to.

“But hopefully that will change inthe near future – because urbandance certainly isn’t going anywhere,and is becoming more popular thanever.”

Picture: Mark Pepperall in association with Hot PepperDesign

Urban dancekids soughtfor project

Salsa setto temptyoung intoexerciseSALSA and cheerleadingare among the activities on offer to young people in Derbyshire, as part of anew programme toincrease participation in physical activity.

Those over 16 will be able to benefit from thetwo-year programme –delivered by Amber Valley Active – thanks to a National Lottery grant of just over £60,000awarded by Sport England.

The programme aims toincrease the number ofover 16 year olds living inthe area who participate in30 minutes of moderateintensity exercise threetimes per week.

It will have three strands– dance exercise,Swim4Fitness and inclusive games – and thedance strand will includesessions run by StarSteppers Dance Academyin cheerleading, street andsalsa.

By Christina Eccles

OLYMPIC athlete Steve Cram has vis-ited a high school in mid Essex tolaunch a scheme providing youngpeople with a year-long programmeof sports coaching and nutritionclasses.

Steve was at St Peters’ High Schoolin Burnham to celebrate the launchof UpStarts – the only programme ofits kind in the UK.

The programme of events will runfor two terms, each lasting 10 weeks,in seven schools across the local areaand activity sessions will be led bycoaches from Colchester UnitedCommunity Sports Trust, who willprovide coaching for more than 150children.

Cookery clubs will also run to edu-

cate pupils on healthy eating andnutrition.

Steve said: “UpStarts is a brilliantexample of how local health organi-sations can work together to play avital role in helping young peopledevelop healthy attitudes towardsfood and fitness which will stay withthem for the rest of their lives. I’mconfident it will be a success andreally hope that what is being deliv-ered here in Essex can be replicatedin other areas across the UK.”

The scheme – funded by NHS MidEssex and delivered by Healthy LivingSolutions Community InterestCompany – forms part of the 2012legacy plan, which aims to use theOlympics as a platform for local resi-dents to lead healthier lifestyles.

Steve goes back toschool to launch scheme

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BOXER Amir Khan is the latestsportsperson to give his backing toChelsea’s Search for an Asian SoccerStar initiative.

The 22-year-old has pledged his sup-port to the project which is designedattract young Asian players and totackle their under-representationthroughout the game.

He said: “Sport can have a huge posi-tive effect on young people and that iswhy I am supporting the Search for anAsian Soccer Star.

“We need to get more Asian kids intoall sports and end the negative stereo-typing of the Asian community.

“The opportunities that the pro-

gramme offers can be of huge benefit to the young people involvedand even though I am a Bolton supporter, I am fully behind Chelsea’sscheme.”

The ‘Asian Star’ initiative will bringtogether hundreds of young playersfrom Asian backgrounds who will com-pete to win a three-day trial at theChelsea Academy.

Chelsea will also invite coaches,managers and scouts from all levels ofthe game to attend the competition toscout potential players for their clubs,from Sunday leagues to the profession-al game.

Boxer Amir backsAsian soccer initiative

50,000 pupilschallenged tobe more activeBy Louise Cordell

A CAMPAIGN has been launched toimprove the health and fitness ofevery primary school pupil in Suffolk.

The Healthy Ambitions SuffolkChallenge project is challenging50,000 kids to get more active,inspired by the London OlympicGames.

The aim is to make Suffolk’s chil-dren the healthiest in the UK by 2012by helping them take part in an hourof exercise every day.

Every child that takes part will begiven a free fitness gift like a frisbee,kite, ball or skipping rope as well asactivity cards showing how they canincorporate exercise into their lives.

Coun Lisa Chambers said: “We allwant our children to grow up fit,healthy and being active.

“Enjoying the activities they like todo is really important both to ourchildren and to us as parents andgrandparents.

“If we can get all out children doing60 minutes of activity, whether it isdancing, walking or kite flying, everyday and eat five portions of fruit andvegetables a day then we will be well

on the way to reaching our goal.”The scheme was launched at Trinity

Park in Ipswich with BeijingOlympian Jo Ellis and ParalympiansBrian Alldis and Caroline Macleanmaking an appearance to encouragekids to get involved.

Pupils from Ravenswood andCharsfield school also turned up totake part in a dance session led byDanceEast and a football skills ses-sion with Ipswich Town CommunityTrust.

Dr Peter Bradley, director of publichealth for NHS Suffolk and SuffolkCounty Council said: “Everythingcounts, from playing organised sportto being active around the home orgarden to building activity into every-day life.

“The challenge is a really importantpart of our campaign to make Suffolkthe healthiest county in England by2028.”

The project has already been grant-ed a London 2012 Inspire Mark which'recognises outstanding projects andevents helping to deliver the Games'lasting legacy.

Kids encouraged to get on their bikesCHILDREN in Bath and North EastSomerset are being offered free cycletraining to encourage them to cycleto school.

Bath and North East SomersetCouncil is offering Bikeability train-ing through local schools to all chil-

dren in years five and six. Funding is in place for levels one

and two of the three stage test andparticipants will be awarded a badgeand certificate to recognise theirachievements once each stage iscomplete.

New scheme to tackle youth crimeYOUNG people in Lanarkshire havebeen encouraged to take up sportand exercise as part of a newscheme set up to tackle youth crimeand antisocial behaviour.

The Saturday SportScene initiative– hosted by North LanarkshireLeisure at Wishaw Sports Centre –

was attended by over 700 kids agedbetween 10 and 17 plus local sport-ing stars including former Celtic andMotherwell FC player Andy Walker.

Activities on offer included dance,football, basketball, badminton andgym sessions. The pilot programmehas been rolled out across the area.

Modern sports centre for every secondaryEVERY secondary school in Devonwill soon be equipped with a modernsports centre thanks to a councilgrant of almost £11m.

The money has come from the pro-ceeds of the sale of Exeter airport andwill now be used to develop a rangeof facilities across the county’s 37 sec-ondaries. The biggest sum of £3.5mwill go to Teign School atKingsteignton for an indoor gym andgrass and all-weather pitches.

A further £500,000, together with£500,000 from British Cycling, is setto help fund the construction of anexternal velodrome as part of thedevelopment of a major regionalcycling facility.

Councillors have also agreed torelease £2.5m to help develop asports centre for TeignmouthCommunity College which is theother Devon secondary currentlylacking up-to-date facilities.

John Smith, executive councillor forchildren’s services, said: “This moneycomes on top of our £180m buildingprogramme for schools and children’scentres and our Government bid forup to £800m of investment in oursecondary schools.

“I am particularly pleased to seethat we are fulfilling our pledge toprovide modern sports facilities forthe students of Teign School andTeignmouth Community College.”

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PRIMARY pupils in Leeds have beenorganising their own mini Olympicgames as part of fitness initiative,Spirit Alive.

The scheme has taken place overthe last two years after being intro-duced by Education Leeds to giveschool children a chance to gethealthy.

Typically planned over the summerterm, an ‘olympic committee’ is elect-ed and the whole school getsinvolved by competing in the events,making flags, logos and posters,designing certificates, and managinga budget.

The actual games take place over aone-week period, often utilising thefacilities at local leisure centres forswimming events and trampoliningor jujitsu competitions.

The 2007 pilot involved fourschools, last year that was extendedto 32 and for 2009, Max is hoping toget every primary in Leeds takingpart.

He said: “The project is about lotsmore than just sport and it can betaken on by any age group, meaningsecondary schools can get involvedtoo.

“As well as encouraging physicalactivity it also forces the children tothink about nutrition and someschools run a healthy tuck shops as a

way of raising funds.”Whingate Primary School was one

of the schools involved in the 2007pilot and they have been runningSpirit Alive ever since.

Assistant head Clara Brayshaw toldFuture Fitness: “Because of the areathat we serve, it’s particularly impor-tant to us that the children can takeownership of the project and that it’ssomething not just for the ‘brightsparks’ to get involved in.

“It also enables us to get involvedwith other schools by running it as acluster, with the Olympic torchpassed between schools before theevent.”

Last year the school competed inactivities including kayaking, skip-ping, Brazilian soccer training and an11 mile bike ride and this year, a part-nership with Leeds Armouries willenable the pupils to add archery tothe list.

Stuart Myers, head teacher atWhingate Primary School added:“Spirit Alive encompasses all theareas of Every Child Matters and wehave noticed it creating a generalinterest in health and fitness, withpupils using their break times topractice their sports. I was initiallyconcerned about the organisationaspects but it’s proved to be very ben-eficial to the school.”

WHEN Max became lead trainer forPE and sport development withEducation Leeds he made it his mis-sion to make a difference to pupilsthrough sport.

Introducing a range of initiativesand training schemes, his aim now isto get more schools involved andinspire other boroughs to follow suit.

Max, a former headteacher, saidone of the most successful thingsintroduced by Education Leeds is theWake Up and Shake Up initiative,designed to incorporate bursts ofactivity into the school day.

Consisting of 10-15 minute periodsof vigorous exercise, the sessionsusually happen once a day, mostlybefore school to wake the pupils upfor their lessons.

He said: “We have trained 95 percent of schools in the borough twoyears ago and even now, just aboutevery one is still doing it. We hand itover to the children and ask them toinitiate it and that is how it hasbecome sustainable.”

Following the success of Wake Upand Shake Up, Funky Feet using dif-ferent moves was introduced toappeal to children at the older end ofthe school, who were getting bored ofWake Up and Shake Up.

As part of Education Leeds’ drive toboost activity levels in primaryschools, five schools in the boroughwere encouraged to install outsideclimbing walls, which the childrencan also use at break times.

“Because of concerns over riskassessment kids just don’t get theopportunities for outdoor adventurethey used to, so these walls are a wayto get round that.”

Three years ago, a training schemelaunched to encourage high levelteaching assistants (HLTAs) tobecome leaders of PE and sport intheir primary schools.

The students receive 60 hours oftraining over nine months and manyare then used to cover planning,preparation and assessment time aswell as helping to raise standards inPE and sport.

One of two areas in the countryoffering this type of training, Maxsaid that because heads are so confi-dent in it, they are happy to let theHLTA’s lead PE in the school.

But despite the work of EducationLeeds, Max said there are many barri-ers facing the development of physi-cal education.

He added: “Time is always going tobe the biggest challenge when itcomes to PE because there are somany demands on the curriculum.SAT’s are always there and becausethey are a measure of success, theywill always take priority. In my opin-ion, Government wants to bake theircake and eat it – they want to raisestandards in core subject areas butalso promote PE and sport. But Idon’t know whether they fully under-stand how schools operate.”

Clara Brayshaw

Leeds pupilsorganise theirown ‘Olympics’

Primary schools in West Yorkshire are benefitting from Education Leeds’ initiatives designed toincrease participation and raise standards in PE delivery. Mary Ferguson spent a day with leadtrainer Max Amesbury to find out more.

Introducing Max’s sporting mission

Max Amesbury

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BY the end of the year, Rosemaryaims to have fitness classes forchildren up and running in townsall over the UK.

The Kids2 programme has beenlaunched following a successfultrial in Hertfordshire and inviteschildren over ten to attend an exer-cise class with an adult, where theywill both learn about nutrition andhealthy eating – as well as theimportance of movement.

The six week programme is thefirst scheme of its kind to operatein the UK and according toRosemary, its innovation lays in thefact that children and their parentsadopt healthy lifestyles together.

She told Future Fitness: “It is veryobvious that there is a growingobesity problem amongst childrenin this country. But our classes arenot slimming clubs – they aredesigned to encourage children tobe more active and educate themand their parents about nutritionand healthy eating.

“The key to success is getting theparents involved too, so that when

they go shopping together theymake informed choices andinstead of it being a battle, it canbecome a team effort.

“We have been trialling it for acouple of years and we have foundthat apart from the obvious educa-tional value, the bonding it has cre-ated between the parent and childhas been extraordinary. When wehave been training the franchiseesto deliver the classes we bring inreal adults and their children andit’s so nice to see them smiling thewhole time.”

Participants take part in funactivities which offer practical andmotivational advice, includingnutritional games and quizzes, fit-ness circuits and learning abouthealthy meal planning and prepa-ration.

“Whilst we already offer exercisesessions in our hugely popularclasses, making this programmeavailable to children is a naturalprogression for us. All of ourinstructors are fully qualified toteach exercise and nutrition

already, but they have also com-pleted a professional trainingcourse for Kids2 to enable them todeliver a safe and effective classincluding children.

“They are perfectly placed to helpfamilies learn how to change theirlifestyles to become healthier justby making a few simple changes”.

Franchisees demonstrate the ses-sions with their normal adult class-es, encouraging them to bringalong their children.

The classes are aimed at any child– not just those with weight prob-lems – and Rosemary expects sib-lings to come along with eachother too.

She added: “We do weigh the kidsat the beginning and end of the sixweek programme but that is for ourown interest, there is no focus onlosing weight.

“We are laying the foundationsfor a long term healthy lifestyle andhopefully is will set the wheels inmotion for a healthy future for thechildren.”

After taking the slimming club industry by storm, weight loss guru RosemaryConley now has her sights set on keeping children healthy. Mary Ferguson spoketo her and found out more.

Rosemary targets kids2for fitness classes ...

Above: Rosemary Conley and one of the Kids 2 classes.

Not enoughexercise for 75% of childrenBy Louise Cordell

THREE quarters of children are notgetting enough exercise according tothe results of a new Government sur-vey.

A poll of parents across Englandrevealed that 72 per cent take part inless than an hour of daily activityoutside of school.

The findings were released as partof the Change4Life campaign whichhas been launched to tackle soaringobesity rates through healthy eatingand exercise.

The Department of Health con-firmed that more than 260,000 peo-ple had responded to the ‘How AreThe Kids’ survey, looking at children’sdiet and activity levels.

It found that 45 per cent of kidswatched TV or played non activevideo games before school and only22 per cent did something activeafter their evening meal.

Dawn Primarolo, minister for public health, said: “Our surveyshows that kids just aren’t getting up and about as much as theyshould.

“If we are going to cut obesity levelsour children need to be active for atleast 60 minutes a day.

“By eating better and moving more,we can all live longer and healthierlives and, with continued support,this can be a reality for every familyin England.”

Families have also been sent tailor-made support packs to help themmake changes to their daily routines, with ideals including playing in the park, walking to schooland playing active computer gameswhere kids need to jump and dancearound.

The packs also point out that the recommended activity levels can be achieved in one session per day, or in several bouts of tenminutes or more of a sport or activity.

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By Louise Cordell

A WELSH school has introduced theHarry Potter sport of Quidditch as away of getting the kids involved innew activities.

The game, which is played on flyingbroomsticks in the popular books,has become a favourite with pupils atFerndale Comprehensive School inRhondda Cynon Taf.

It was brought in as part of theWelsh Assembly Government’s 5x60scheme which aims to expose chil-dren to new types of sport.

James Vale, the school’s 5x60 moti-vator said: “Obviously we have had tomake a few adaptations to the game,which we have renamed MuggleQuidditch, and it is now a mix ofhandball and dodgeball.

“The fact that it is linked to thebooks and films that the kids love hasbeen a huge draw. While we havemany sporty pupils who get involvedin lots of activities, Muggle Quidditchhas really captured the imaginationsof the less active ones as well.

“In turn, this has built up their con-fidence and led to them gettinginvolved in other sports too, so it hasbeen a great success.”

During the game there is a goalkeeper and beaters who are playing

something similar to dodgeball –aiming balls or ‘bludgers’ at the otherteam’s players.

If players get hit they have to run totheir goal and back – to simulate thetime it would take them to get backon their broomsticks after falling off.

The rest of the team is made up ofchasers who are playing handball andhave to try and score goals.

James added: “The only position wehave had to lose is the one that Harryplays, as we can’t make something flyaround in the air for him to catch!

“Otherwise it is pretty similar and itis great because it is really fast pacedand everyone has to get involved.

“Standing around and not takingpart is not an option, because doingthat attracts the attention of the beat-ers – and getting hit with a bludgersoon brings them back into the game.

“Because there are three differentpositions to play they are using a lotof different skills, and it also givespupils of all abilities the chance to getinvolved and find something they aregood at.”

Harry Potter sport castsa spell at Welsh school

Quidditch tournament

Hundredsjoin insports dayABOUT 800 sixth form and col-lege students from acrossHertfordshire took part in a dayof sporting activities co-ordinat-ed by the Herts SportsPartnership.

The event, which took place atGosling Sports Park, aimed toincrease participation levelsamong 16-24 year olds andincluded a range of competitiveevents as well as 60 come andtry sessions – providing theopportunity for students to tryout sports which they might liketo take up on a more permanentbasis.

Four colleges and 10 School Sports Partnershipsentered teams for the competition.

The top three were:

1st place Stevenage

2nd place St Albans andHarpenden (Roundwood Park) School Sports Partnership

3rd place West Herts College

The event saw a four-foldincrease compared with the2008 event, when 200 partici-pants took part.

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By Louise Cordell

FOOTBALL coaches and PEteachers will be able to pick upadvice from the experts at thisyear’s Grass Roots Football Liveshow.

The event is aimed at any nonprofessionals involved in thegame and will give them theopportunity to learn from thebest in the business, as will asdiscuss the latest issues andideas from the world of youthsport.

Bob Rosen, managing director,said: “Youth football is thrivingand I think coaching is betternow than it has ever been.

“But there is always room forimprovement and all teachersand coaches love the idea oflearning from people at the topof their game and taking that

back to inspire the kids.” The show is taking place at

Birmingham’s NEC from 12 to14 June and will feature a rangeof events from seminars, coach-ing sessions and All Stardemonstration matches toadvice from ManchesterUnited’s and the BeckhamAcademy’s soccer school coach-es and goal keeper training.

Manchester United’s head ofsports science will be dis-cussing how technical fitnessapplies at all levels of the gameand the youngest ever countyFA chief executive will bedescribing the career pathwaysavailable.

A panel including HuwJennings, Nick Perchard andPaul Johnson will also be lead-ing a session based on‘Improving the delivery of foot-

ball in education’. Finally, there will be a ‘Boot

Room’ where visitors can talk towell known managers andcoaches about any problems orchallenges they have faced andget their solutions for advice.

Bob added: “The event is par-ticularly useful for thoseinvolved in coaching from aneducation perspective.

“Many coaches complete theirlevel one, but because level twois so expensive in terms of timeand money, many don’t take itand this is one of the biggestchallenges that the FA faces.

“But in just one day we areable to provide a lot of freshideas and information andcoaches get the chance to takeall these new skills and passthem on to everyone at theirclubs – so everyone benefits.”

Boost for youth football

Minister calls for schoollink with leisure facilitiesSCHOOLS should be linking up withlocal leisure facilities to provide thebest possible PE opportunitiesaccording to Welsh minister JaneHutt.

She has been promoting theCommunity Focused Schools pro-gramme, which aims to partnerschools with other community facili-ties including sport and leisure cen-tres to help provide better access foryoung people.

She said: “The programme is aboutthe engagement of schools with thecommunity and with parents andtheir children. We know that youngpeople want the opportunity to getmore involved in fitness activities andby making sure that key locations arecatered for and that there is goodcommunication between everyoneinvolved we can facilitate that.

“We have a commitment to devel-oping schools with better sport andcommunity links and that means try-ing to be much more innovativeabout their use and the range of fit-

ness opportunities available.”The programme has found that

making connections between schoolsand communities can break downbarriers to exercising.

It has also shown that if pupils areguided to different activities andequipment during school PE lessonsthen the are more likely to getinvolved after school, because theyare already familiar with the process.

Jane added: “The aim is to make itall a part of life and open up accessi-bility by providing flexibility in whatis available and when it can be used.

“We want to try and engage everyyoung person and look after everyaspect of policy and see how we canrelate it to fitness.

“It is also particularly cost effective,especially in terms of value formoney because of the many differentoptions that become available.

“Co-location and sharing ofresources make sense from a finan-cial as well as a health and fitnessperspective.”

A CONFERENCE covering the latestresearch into youth sport is set totake place at Brunel University inSeptember.

The Centre for Youth Sport andAthlete Welfare has joined forces withLoughborough University’s Instituteof Youth Sport to organise‘Researching Youth Sport: SupportingYouth Ability and Talent’.

The event will examine support sys-

tems for young people at all levels ofability and performance, focussingon three key dimensions: sport sci-ence, ability and talent developmentand welfare issues.

Seminars will include live interviewswith former elite child athletes, thefirst public presentation of data froman NSPCC national prevalence studyon young people’s experiences insport and talent identification.

Conference looks at youth sport research

16 12/5/09 10:34 Page 1

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Fencing thrustinto the timetableBy Christina Eccles

A MATHS teacher’s challenge tocompete in the 2012 OlympicGames has led to a new sportbeing introduced into her school’sPE lessons.

Natasha Hunt – a teacher atOakwood School in Horley – wasapproached by a personal trainerat her local gym who wanted toprove that with the right trainingand support, an ordinary gymmember could compete atOlympic level.

Her training programme con-sists of work on the five modernpentathlon disciplines – shooting,fencing, swimming, riding andrunning – and an interest fromboth pupils and staff in the fenc-ing element has led to plans toinclude it in school PE.

Natasha said: “The headmistressnow wants to bring fencing intothe school and I am training to domy fencing exams so I can teachit as well. It’s not only the kids

that want to do it, the staff dotoo.”

Natasha added that she wasnever very good at school sportbut decided to take up the chal-lenge to learn new skills andbecome successful in them.

She said that the modern pen-tathlon appealed to her as it was amixture of different disciplineswhich kept training interesting.

She now hopes that her effortswill encourage pupils who are putoff by some of the traditionalsports seen in school PE lessonsto try new ways of keeping fitsuch as the fencing classes.

She added: “I was never good atsports at school and wanted to bereally good at something.

“I wanted to try modern pen-tathlon and this is the last chanceI have of being really good atsomething at a high level.

“This has changed my views onexercise. You don’t have to do itthe way that schools tell you itshould be done.

“So often the kids going toschool think that teachers don’thave a life outside school and thisshows that I can do other thingsas well.”Natasha Hunt

Hopes to take kids’ fitness programme into schoolsBy Mary Ferguson

OPERATORS of a fitness programmefor children under seven are aimingto take their classes into schools byrolling out more franchises

Stretch n Grow, a holistic health andfitness programme for children from18 months to seven years, offers chil-dren the opportunity to learn abouthealthy eating and exercise in after-school clubs and nurseries.

UK operations director Deno Davie

said he is hoping those forced intoredundancy or wanting their ownbusiness will be attracted to takingon a franchise, that can then bedelivered within primary schools.

Cheadle Hulme Junior School inCheshire has been running the class-es for two years. Infant coordinatorLinda Wardsaid: “We were doing a lotof work on healthy eating anywayand when one of the parents told meabout the programme I thought itwas a great idea.”

The programmes are structuredaround a 30 or 40 minute lessonwhich combines music, stories andprops with warm-up exercises, aero-bics and discussions about healthyeating and the body.

The classes take place once a weekfor half an hour over lunch time andare taken by a qualified fitnessinstructor.

At the start of the year, parents areinvited to come in and try out theclasses, which cost £3 a time, to

decide if they want their children totake part.

Linda added: “The kids are on thego all the time in the classes andwhen we tried it as teachers, even wewere exhausted.

“The kids are very enthusiasticabout it and I’ve noticed that sincethey started the classes they seem tobe more active in the playground too.

“It’s also very educational – theyknow more than me about the differ-ent parts of the body.”

‘The headmistress now wants to bring fencing into the school and I am training to do my fencing exams so I can teach it as well.’

Conference to focus on latestideas in physical educationTHIS year’s afPE NationalConference will be focussingon the latest developmentsand ideas in physical educa-tion.

The event, ‘Thinking BeyondTargets – Shaping TomorrowToday’, is set to take placefrom June 24 to 26 and aims toprovide a professional devel-opment opportunity for PESSprofessionals.

Throughout the conference a series of speakers will bepresenting new research and interactive learning ses-sions will be held to discusscurrent educational challenges.

Keynote speakers include SirJohn Jones, Richard Gerver,Professor Paul Gately of LeedsMetropolitan University, afPECEO Professor Margaret Talbot

and World ParalympicChampion Danny Crates.

The interactive learning sessions will cover topics froma discussion of the report‘Physical Education in Schools2005/2008 – Working Towards2012 and Beyond’, an inde-pendent review of the primarycurriculum, media trainingand the physical educationcommunity.

There will also be a range ofpractical sessions, includingrowing, outdoor and adven-turous activities and cheer-leading. afPE CEO Professor Margaret Talbot

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THE school joined the Points SSP in2006 and since then sport has toppedthe list of priorities.

Out of hours clubs now run beforeschool, at lunchtime and at the endof the day – as well as at weekends –and children have had the opportuni-ty to try different activities to helpthem find a form of exercise they like.

PE coordinator Louise Cann said: “Ibecame PE coordinator at the sametime we joined the partnership so itwas a great opportunity to raise theprofile of sport in the school.”

As well as running popular sportslike football and tennis year round,the school tries to introduce moreunusual activities including yoga,fencing, aerobics and even maypoleclasses.

Expert coaches come in to deliverthe sessions and club links have beenestablished with Sheffield WednesdayFC, Sheffield Eagles RLFC and a localcricket club.

The school has won a number ofaccolades, including the Points goldaward for achieving two hours a weekof high quality PE and sport and theActivemark for schools in 2007 and2008. Louise said one of the mostpopular after school sessions isFundamentals, an exercise class forchildren from years one and two.Combining a mix of ball skills, aero-bics and gymnastics attract over 30pupils each time.

“Key stage two children have a lotmore on offer to them because oftheir age so we are really trying todevelop more for key stage one. As apartnership we recognise this is anarea of concern and are trying totackle it and build on the success ofFundamentals.”

Children from year six who havebecome sports leaders run clubs forthe younger pupils during lunch andbreak times – making their own mar-keting material to promote them

around the school – and Louise saidit’s not just those who are good at PEthat put themselves forward to beleaders.

The parents, she said, are ‘fantastic’and a number of them run afterschool clubs themselves, includingdance and football training.

“Lots of the boys used to doSaturday football training elsewherein the city but many of them havedecided to do it at the school instead,which is great. And one lad in yearfive plays for Manchester United’sunder tens team, so goes over to theirground three or four times a week.”

Louise said she has noticed childrenwho were quiet in class or struggledwith their work really come out oftheir shells through participating insport. She added: “PE is a very crosscurricular subject and helps the chil-dren in all different areas. We areproud of what we have managed toachieve over the last three years.”

FOR the last two years, GrenosidePrimary School has been runningearly morning motor skills sessionsfor children in all years.

The half hour classes are taken byhigh level teaching assistant JanetBrowne, who took a training courseafter seeing how much exercisehelped her Dyspraxic son.

One term the sessions focus ongross motor skills and the next it willchange to fine motor skills, helpingthe children to develop core andupper body strength, balance andconcentration.

Apparatus is used as a fun obstaclecourse and other sessions use equip-ment including body scooters, planksand balls.

Janet said: “We have noticed a bigchange in the children since startingthe classes, both in PE and in otherlessons too.

“People don’t realise that it takesstrong shoulders, arms and hands tobe able to write properly for example. And because the sessionsrun before school, it helps the pupilsstart the day settled and morefocused.”

Janet added that the classes havealso given some children the confi-dence to go on and join some of theafter school sports.

Three years after joining a sports partnership,Grenoside Primary School in Sheffield hastransformed how its pupils exercise. MaryFerguson paid a visit to find out more.

The yoga class in action.

Partnershipproves arunawaysuccess ...

Pupils gearedup for motorskills sessions

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The gym’s owners Tony and Shirley Ann with actress Denise Welch who appeared ata recent relaunch.

SECONDARY school pupils inNorthumberland have been giventhe chance to experience life in thefitness industry thanks to one localgym owner.

Tony Hall – owner of The BuzzFactory in Prudhoe – takes onabout four students a year in workplacements from PrudhoeCommunity High School and saysit is a good way for them to get afeel for a career in health and fit-ness. And Tony, who is also a for-mer teacher and youth worker, toldFuture Fitness that he wants to doas much as possible to encouragelocal kids into the gym environ-ment.

He said: “We take an average offour kids every year and this is

something I like to do as it exposesyoung people to health and fitnessin the community.

“I used to work at the school withdisengaged kids, helping them getback into the classroom. The gymis a fantastic environment and I amreally pleased the school is sendingkids down.”

As part of his commitment to theproject, the gym also offers cutprice gym sessions for sixth formpupils at the school costing just£2.50 – something which Tony saidis proving popular. He added: “Kidscan’t afford to take out yearly mem-bership so they pay £2.50 on thedoor. We have got quite a few whocome in and it’s good to see youngpeople in the gym.”

Tony offers a taste of gym life

Rebuild promptsrise in demandfor PE facilitiesBy Louise Cordell

A LANCASHIRE college has trebledparticipation in its sports pro-grammes thanks to a £20m redevel-opment.

Nelson and Colne College has seendemand for its PE facilities rise sincethe rebuild, which amalgamated twoprevious sites onto one campus.

As part of the move, all PE and sportdepartments were relocated into anew building, housing a six courtsports hall and fully equipped fitnesscentre.

Catherine Stanworth, section leaderfor sport and PE, said: “The new facil-ity has made a massive difference,before it wasn’t very appealing butnow it really has the wow factor. Ithas encouraged many more studentsto come and take part in varioussports and numbers attending thevarious sports sessions has trebled.”

The six court sports hall is availablefor activities including cricket, bad-minton, basketball and table tennisand the fitness centre is free to usefor all college pupils.

All these facilities are specially freedup for three hours a day ‘enrichmenttime’, when any student can drop in

and take part in activities like tabletennis.

Catherine added: “We set this timeaside to encourage participation andit has been a huge success.

“That is one of the many goodthings about the new facility - we canget many people in there doing dif-ferent things at the same time.”

The college’s sports department isalso heavily involved in the localcommunity.

Most of the students go out intolocal primary and secondary schoolsto gain first hand experience ofteaching PE or sports coaching.

Local primary schools also bringtheir pupils in once a week for multi-sports sessions, run by the students,to give them extra practice.

Catherine added: “Nearly all of ourstudents choose to go on to universi-ty to study primary or secondaryteaching, sports development andcoaching, physiotherapy and sportsrehabilitation. That is why we valueworking with the local community sohighly. It is so important for the stu-dents to get hands on experience ofthe industry they believe they want towork in before they make their finalchoices.”

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THE 1066 Gymnastic Academyopened last month and has over10,000 sq ft devoted to helpingyoung gymnasts fulfill theirpotential.

The Academy is run by managerand head coach Matthew Hart,whose aim is to bring the sport toa wider audience than everbefore. To do this, it has becomethe first club in the South East tooffer brand new ‘freestyle’ classes,developed by British Gymnastics.

The discipline has been com-pared to parkour and free running– using all the gymnastic appara-tus with an emphasis on flips andjumps. Matthew said: “When Iheard about the pilot course forthis new type of gymnastics I wasvery keen to get involved. I knewthat there was a gap in gymnasticsprovision for teenagers who want-ed to get involved in the sportrecreationally, and I thought thiswould be a good opportunity.

“Up until now the sport hasn’thad much to offer older childrenbecause the window for training

and competing generally comeswhen they are young.”

For now the club has the onlytwo qualified coaches in theSouth East but it is set to spreadfast to the rest of the UK.

The 1066 club has been inundat-ed with requests from local kidswanting to join up and the twoclasses provided each week arealready oversubscribed.

Matthew is now hoping to getmore staff trained to teach theclass over the summer, so thatthey can put on more sessions tokeep up with demand.

He added: “I think we have hiton a style that really appeals toteens as it is very showy andadventurous.

“It has been great to see theamount of older kids gettinginvolved, because it gives themsomewhere to go, something todo with their time that they enjoy,and they also have qualifiedcoaches on hand to give advice,help them improve and make surethey’re safe.”

Gymnastics has traditionally been targeted at younger children, with few older kids staying with the sport longterm. However a new training academy in Bexhill is aiming to change that with the introduction of ‘teen friendly’freestyle classes.

Academy inundatedwith flipping kids

AN unexpected bonus from the1066 Academy’s freestyle classeshas been that several teens whoshowed up have becomeinvolved in other gymnasticsactivities too.

Instructors have been able tospot those with natural talentand ability and help them to getinvolved in the club’s TeamGym, where they can competewith others around the country.

Head coach Matthew added:“It was not something I wasexpecting at all when we firststarted the classes, but it hasbeen a pleasant surprise.

“All of our instructors are ableto spot those kids who have atalent for the moves involvedand once we point this out tothem they are usually very excit-ed to take part in somethingnew.

“The Team Gym gives themthe chance to travel and com-pete as part of a close knitsquad and improve their skillsat the same time.”

Classes leadteens to joinTeam Gym

Chance for youngsters tonet Olympic opportunityYOUNG Scottish footballers are beingoffered the chance to aim for theOlympics as part of a new initiative.

The Pitch2Podium scheme givesapprentice football players that arereleased from Scottish clubs anopportunity to switch their talents toOlympic sports.

Organised by UK Sport, the Scottishand English Institutes of Sport andPFA Scotland, it aims to help moreyoung people use their skills to suc-ceed in different sports and disci-plines.

Chelsea Warr, UK Sport’s head ofathlete development, said: “This tal-ent identification work boosts ourchances of finding new athletes capa-ble of representing Great Britain atthe highest level. We hope to unearthsome future Olympic champions inScotland today as we assess theyoung football players’ potential.

“Unfortunately, not all of theseplayers are going to make it to the topof the game, but via Pitch2Podium

they could transfer the ready-madeskills and abilities they have devel-oped into a new sport and potentiallyeven progress towards the Olympicpodium.”

The talent transfer project waspiloted last year in England and thequality of applicants was so high ithas now been rolled out to theScottish football clubs as well.

The players will be put throughtheir paces in a range of physicaltests, conducted by sports scientistsand Olympic coaches, designed toidentify those with the potential tosucceed in an Olympic sport.

Tony Stanger, talent manager at theSportScotland Institute of Sport, said:“It is great to be partnering with theUK Talent Team to provide youngScottish players who might not makeit in football, which is such a hotbedof athletic talent, with a new Olympicopportunity. This initiative couldalso help us boost Scotland’s talentpool ahead of Glasgow 2014.”

CHILDREN in Wales are being urgedto get active with the launch of a 2012Olympic Education Programme.

The scheme, run by the London2012 Organising Committee, is tar-geted at three to 19 year olds andaims to promote school and collegeprojects that highlight the ‘spirit ofthe Olympics’. Website, www.lon-don2012.com/getset, has been set upand learning resources including

games, factsheets, films and articlesare available. In Wales around 80schools have signed up and, launch-ing the site, deputy minister for skillsJohn Griffiths, said: “I am pleased tobe launching this site which I amsure will encourage many to take partin events and projects which reflectthe Olympic and Paralympic valuessuch as friendship, respect and deter-mination.”

Get active call to Welsh children

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PLAYGROUND designer and manu-facturer Sutcliffe Play is launching anew ball court that features a uniquesound insulation system to keepnoise at bay.

Sutcliffe Play’s Youthzone Ball Courtis a multi use games area (MUGA) forchildren of all ages and is suitable fora wide variety of sports includingfootball, tennis, netball and basket-ball.

The development of the MUGA fol-lows consultations with local authori-ties and the key objective was toreduce noise impact to allow childrento play in built up areas, where noiselevels are often a concern for localresidents.

The design encases each strand ofmesh in a rubber sealing system, pro-

viding unparalleled levels of noisesuppression.

With a maximum height of 3.6mand a modular construction, the ballcourt can be tailored to any locationand sloping sites can also be cateredfor.

For further information contact ClaireMurgatroyd or Lauren Trisconi on 01772

421 442 or e-mail: claire@mtjpr.co.uk

Ssshh ... new ball court launched

A FOUR court indoor tennis centrehas been constructed to help pro-mote the sport at Writhlington Schoolin Avon.

The new centre is dedicated to ten-nis and has been built to full LawnTennis Association standards byCollinson Plc.

It is hoped that the facility will

enhance the school’s reputation as acentre of excellence for sport.

Dan Collinson, Collinson sales andmarketing director, said: “This is atruly special new facility and we areconfident it will increase the numberof people enjoying tennis at all levelsin this area. The building is fitted outto give tennis players every conceiv-

able advantage and the atmospherewill inspire those who are committedto excellence, as well as those whojust want a friendly knockabout.”

The centre is 65m long and 11.5mhigh and has been specificallydesigned for racket sports with nointernal columns or support to get inthe way of the game.

School serves new indoor tennis centre

NEW College Durham selectedSportsArt Fitness Cardio productsto equip their new sports com-plex ‘Steps2Fitness’.

The facility will be used toinstruct students involved insport and exercise science, sportstherapy and also exercise studies,as well as encouraging students,staff and the local community toparticipate in leisure pursuits.

Mo Dixon, college head, said:“With over 500 members of allages and fitness levels, any newfitness equipment had to be userfriendly and fit for purpose,meeting the demands of constantuse, day and night, seven days aweek.

“In competitively tendering,SportsArt also arranged a demon-stration of their cardio equip-ment and constructively advisedon our initial plans and equip-ment selection.

“But what clinched the contractwas a comprehensive warrantyand service deal, which was para-mount in ensuring that equip-ment operates reliably and safelyat all times.

“The modern design and robustconstruction impressed andassured us the equipment wouldmeet the demands of constantuse.

“Although high-tech in looks, inreality, the visual displays werevery clear and controls user-friendly.”

CollegechoosesSportsArt

By Jonathan Williams

THERE have been some very positivedevelopments over recent years onthe inclusive nature of PhysicalEducation (PE) with fresh approachesto the subject.

Many partnerships and schools arenow offering a good range of activi-ties, helping all pupils to get involved.

There are opportunities for pupilsfrom the gifted and talented to thosewho have no confidence in physicalactivity.

New pathways are being offeredthrough the curriculum to supportthis process and to accommodate dif-ferent levels of academic perform-ance.

With options including GCSEs,diplomas and NVQs, PE is seen as aprogressive career route with hugepotential.

Ultimately if we are going to haveany impact on the health of nation, itis this inclusive style that is likely tobe more effective in delivering theactivity message.

Being inclusive is fantastic in theo-ry, but how do schools provide thison the ground?

Recent PE conferences I haveattended are testament to the fact

that there are now a plethora of sup-pliers offering the latest equipment,products and services for physicalactivity.

With this huge choice, schools obvi-ously want to spend their muchsought after funding carefully.

But how do they know what is best?The answer is to provide activitysolutions that meet the requirementsof the end user – the pupils.

Equipment will obviously be need-ed for 16+ pupils and teachers, butprimarily, the offering should bedesigned for the pupils themselves.

What is the point in having a stateof the art gym if the people who needit most can’t use it?

If 95 per cent of the kit needs to beused by under 18s what is the pointof having only five per cent specifi-cally made for them? And of course,ask the pupils.

It is also essential to engage youngpeople through a range of activities,one product alone is never the solu-tion.

Young people need to realise theimportance of exercise and how thiswill help them in adulthood.

Teachers need the tools to effective-ly structure a PE lesson to give eachpupil the attention they need to getinvolved.

The fitness industry needs supplierswho provide a partnership approachto schools and offer them a range oftools and training so that each pupilexperiences an excellent level of PE.� Jonathan Williams in CEO of Shokk

Jonathan Williams

Vital to engage youngin variety of activities

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This spring Future Fitness will be launching its very own e-newsletter. The monthly letterwill contain breaking news from the industry as well as information about forthcoming featuresand events. Like the magazine, the e-newsletter is completely free to receive. All we needyou to do is register your e-mail address by visiting our website, www.futurefitness.uk.net, calling01226 734695 or complete the registration form that arrives with your copy of FutureFitness. Any companies wishing to take advantage of the sponsorship opportunities available onthe e-newsletter should contact 01226 734672 or e-mail sales@futurefitness.uk.net.

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