7th August 2008

On the eve of the of the Olympic Games in Beijing, and as we inch ever closer to a home Games in London in 4 years time, UK Athletics, in cooperation with English Gymnastics, England Netball and the Rugby Football Union, are embarking on a unique initiative.

With an eye on the future, these NGBs are looking to develop and empower the young individuals that all sports rely on as coaches, officials and volunteers. Teenagers with qualifications and skills already attained through initiatives such as Step into Sport will build on their existing core skills at the Young Leaders Camp this weeked.  

The three day camp at Bradfield College will bring together 160 individuals, from across the UK aimed at developing their skills to enable them to deliver, lead and inspire within their respective sports.

UKA have played a key role in developing the programme alongside the three other sports, with a focus on ensuring a sustainable pathway for the development of young officials, coaches and volunteers.

Stuart Attwell, who is coordinating the camp on behalf of UK Athletics said:

“The Young Leaders Camp represents a tremendous opportunity for these young people to take a significant step forward and develop their leadership skills. The range of sport specific and generic sessions will offer them a unique learning experience, which we hope they will use to their benefit when they return to their clubs across the UK.”

In one of the biggest logistical operations in Olympic history, the 29^th Olympics in Beijing will boast approximate 70,000 volunteers, spanning across all sports – the figures for London will not be dissimilar. Initiatives such as the Young Leaders Camp this summer focussing on the development of volunteers in our sport may yet see an Olympic dream born in Reading this summer.