My name is Georgina, and I live in Wiltshire, South West England. I have recently completed a degree in Sports Development at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. I am currently studying for a PGCE in Secondary Physical Education at Bath Spa University.

I entered the world of athletics as a competitor at the late age of 16. I quickly became engulfed in this exciting sport, and competed at both county and regional level. As I entered my senior years I entered the world of volunteering. I experienced athletics with both primary and secondary pupils in the form of TOPS activities, Primary athletics festivals, schoolhouse athletics competition and the UK School Games.

Whilst competing for my university, I also completed my UKA coaching qualification and had the honour of coaching the university’s under 9 and under 11s academy groups. I have found this a rewarding experience, which has inspired me to become more involved in athletics.

With my passion for sports development and entering the world of teaching, being part of the YAG is an honour. It drives me to help inspire the future generation in athletics, starting in school sport and filtering into extra-curricular and sporting commitment. I am enthusiastic about young athletes competing and progressing by becoming officials and coaches, as they themselves become young adults.

Georgina’s Blog

Hi Guys!

I have volunteered in sport from a young age and enjoy it just as much today as I did when I was 16 and sill benefiting from volunteers myself when competing up and down the country in athletics meets. One thing I am passionate about is that everyone should be given the chance and opportunity to succeed and take part in sport and athletics at whatever age regardless of their ability and talent.

As a future physical education teacher starting my career this September, my ethos remains the same and I hope to instil the ideal that all young people can be involved in athletics at whatever level and in numerous roles whether as a coach, young official or a competitor.

I spent some time at the end of July in a fantastic school that specialises in working with pupils with emotional and behavioural issues who can no longer learn in the mainstream system. In the county there are a number of schools that cater for similar pupils. This initiated ‘The Olympic Days’ which involved all of the schools coming together and taking part in Volleyball, Boccia, BMX riding, Hockey, and all Athletics events where pupils both officiated and competed. Many of these pupils have behavioural issues and struggle in social situations, so playing as a team member or being put in a position of responsibility or where pressure is on them (A competitive high jump competition) can be stressful and difficult for them to deal with.

However the day saw some fantastic athletics performances and great sportsmanship. With the schools’ promotion of the Olympic values, each and every pupil showed respect to fellow athletes and the behaviour was impeccable on a day where change to a regular routine could have posed a problem. I think this shows that sport can be a fantastic vehicle for encouraging pupils to push themselves not only on a physical aspect but also on a social and emotional level.

Even better at the latest Star:track holiday camp last week many of these pupils were in attendance and said it was due to the opportunity they had been given at school. I think it is key to remember that although excellence in sport and athletics is important the grass roots level is where it all begins, and a young person’s first experience in athletics might be vital to their continued life-long involvement.