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Tuesday, 06 October 2009 12:59 |
Active Schools is a Scottish Government initiative, joint funded by sportscotland and the local authority, with the aim of increasing the activity levels of children by enabling the provision of high-quality, safe and sustainable physical activity opportunities for all pupils.
Moray’s Active Schools was set up in 2005 with the main aim to increase physical activity opportunities through sport or other types of activities like dance, playground games or outdoor adventurous activities for the children and young people of Moray.
Active Schools benefits the young population in Moray. Introducing physical activity at a young age means people are more likely to stick with it, leading to healthier and happier lives.
With each area of Moray being covered and the co-ordinators working within the secondary school areas, there are a number of locations as well as activities that volunteers can become involved in.
The need and support from volunteers is crucial because Active Schools want to build local capacity for activity delivery – this means recruiting people to lead and help with activities. The more activities they offer, means more kids getting active. There is no requirement to be ‘sporty’, just enthusiastic.
John McMulkin, the Active Schools Manager explains “We either try to get teachers to stay after the school day to help with activities or get parents of children involved in the activity. We also get volunteers through various sports clubs – in some instances where a club wants to promote their sport and increase their junior membership they will deliver taster sessions in schools or at the club premises”.
 “Currently we have in the region of 100 volunteers. This ranges from secondary school pupils, club coaches, teachers, parents and others who may be trying to make up hours to count towards an award, get experience working with children and young people or who just want to contribute to a local activity”. John continues to explain the benefits and advantages of becoming involved with a project such as Active Schools:
“The experience of volunteering with Active Schools is what you want to make of it. We ask of our volunteers no more than they can give. This ranges from leading activities on a weekly basis week right down to someone taking registers at a one-off event. Regardless of your commitment you will experience a supportive and fun environment and benefit from learning alongside the physical activity professionals.
The training and future opportunities that come with being a volunteer with Active Schools are extensive. Young volunteers can collect their volunteer hours that can be put toward the MV Award for example.
“If your aspiration is to work in physical activity, sport or with young people, you will gain invaluable experience doing this and have the opportunity to gain qualifications along the way”.
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Active Schools
