31 August 2010

The third edition of the Young Leaders’ Camp (YLC) signed off last week with the class of 2010 enjoying an action packed four day residential camp in the rolling Berkshire countryside.

Bradfield College, just outside Reading, hosted the annual camp, which is the result of collaboration between UKA, England Netball and British Gymnastics – England.

The “Inspired by London 2012” accredited programme was attended by 150 16-19 year olds, and engaged young leaders in a range of practical sessions and educational workshops focussed on event management, coaching, officiating, anti-doping and club development.

Keen for the young leaders to continue engaging and volunteering in athletics, project manager and Senior Competitions Coordinator Stuart Attwell said;

“We are extremely keen that the camp is not viewed as a one off event in isolation,” he said.

“It forms part of a pathway for these young people, and should be used as a catalyst to support their development as coaches, officials and administrators.

“We work closely with them over the week to develop personalised action plans, and will be working with them in the coming weeks and months to help them achieve the objectives that they have set for themselves.”

Several of the young people involved at the Young Leaders Camp last week will be officiating at the Sainsbury’s UK School Games in early September with event officiating just one of the exit routes that young leaders are signposted towards whilst at the camp.

One of the young leaders, John Robertson, 18 from Scotland commented on his experiences

“It was really informative and has given me couple of options, so I can get more involved in my club. It’s a great atmosphere too, everyone is getting involved and taking part.”

One of the big success stories of the camp is the way in which past young leaders are able to return as YLC staff. This not only ensures the sustainability of the camp, but helps to support continued development of the young people who attended in 2008 and 2009.

Returning to the camp this year as a Team Leader, Kara Gibbs reflected on taking on a different role;

“You have to push yourself to engage with so many more people, like the other Team Leaders and the YLC management. However, I like to sit with the young leaders and interact with them too, which was something I didn’t do so much of last year (as a young leader).

“After attending last year, it has given me so much more confidence, so I have picked up lots more stuff with my club and I’m coaching kids in my local area too. Since the camp, I have done a lot more coaching, and I have decided to go to university to study sport and community leadership.”

Details on future Young Leaders’ Camp projects will be announced in early 2011, but keep an eye on www.uka.org.uk  for more blogs, interviews and pictures from the 2010 camp.