Community Sports Leadership Volunteering Project Improving communities in Nottingham

Nottinghamshire Clubs for Young People are leading the way in developing young volunteers through community sports leadership. Radford, Meadows and St Anne’s areas of Nottingham are historically divided communities. High rates of drugs, gun and knife crimes plague these areas and young people struggle to integrate. However, a group of new volunteers have been brought together with a common aim – making their communities a better place to be in. Course tutor, Scott Lievers said: “The nature of this course has brought together a group of young people who are traditionally segregated. Close contact activities have ensured teamwork and the group has bonded really well. This course has broken down barriers and challenged stereotypes” Nottinghamshire Clubs for Young People Limited, (Notts CYP) is a voluntary umbrella youth organisation with over 45 affiliated clubs and projects throughout the city and county of Nottinghamshire. Established in 1935, the Association has been providing information, advice and support to its members, as well as training programmes and, most importantly, lots of opportunities for young people to participate in sport, arts, music, educational and adventurous activities.

This innovative programme has encouraged a group of new volunteers to work together as a team following a Community Sports Leadership Programme. They have learned a whole host of new skills in areas such as:

• Contributing to organising and delivering activity sessions
• Establishing and maintaining safe activities
• Understanding the structure of sport and recreation in the UK
• Understanding and leading fitness sessions
• Principles and practice in running events and competitions
• Principles and practice in adapting activities
• Demonstrating leadership skills in the community

Picture: Newly qualified sports
leaders at Notts CYP

The course has been verified and observed by Clubs for Young People and is clearly a shining example of excellent leadership by the course tutors from Notts CYP. Using a wide variety of delivery styles to engage the young leaders, the course attendance record has been excellent with the group participating in evening and weekend sessions.

The majority of the group have never volunteered before and this course has opened their horizons. Course participant Kieran says, "This course and the volunteering I am doing has given me a brand new experience. I have only just started volunteering at youth clubs. I’ve got more knowledge and understanding how to teach kids and confidence to do sports coaching. I’m hoping that by volunteering I will get a good job – I’d love to be a Sports Development Officer. This course has given me lots of opportunities, support and help."

Similarly, Edward who is nineteen years old (pictured below) has found that the course and his volunteering has increased his confidence. "I feel more confident towards the public. I can speak more clearly. I can now pass on my experiences confidently and people will have a good time. This is just the start for me – I want to go on and coach".

Picture: Edward

The leadership course which couples dynamically delivered theory sessions with practical and voluntary experience allowed the students to assess their own performance. Every student recorded a significant improvement in their confidence and knowledge as a direct result.

As well as an improvement in practical skills, Marcus, aged sixteen has increased his own self awareness and says "This has encouraged me to do so much more. I feel focussed and I have much more confidence. Since I started I have gained qualifications, confidence and self control. I think my attitude has improved with the help and support of the tutors."

The group are participating in a range of volunteering experiences across the county including football coaching sessions, county and national events, Monty Hind and Hospital Youth Clubs and volunteering at local universities. Louise, who is volunteering at Monty Hind Youth Club and at her university feels the course has made her much more vocal. "This has given me a big, big boost in my confidence and being one of a small number of females in the group is really empowering."

Course tutor and Notts CYP CEO Lisa Barker is delighted with the progress of the students individually and as a team. “When the group came together, they were very quiet. They quickly developed into a cohesive group that work really well together. Everyone has improved their skills vastly.” Notts CYP will now continue to support this new group of volunteers in their experiences providing ongoing help and advice to both volunteers and their club based mentors, new and diverse volunteering opportunities and networking opportunities. The project which is funded through Notts CYP, Clubs for Young People and v, demonstrates how partnership working can help to bring together communities and improve the lives of all of those involved.

Terry Ryall, v Chief Executive, said:

"v is delighted to be able to provide financial support to Notts CYP through our Match Fund Programme which will inspire young people to volunteer in Nottingham."

Clubs for Young People continue to work closely with Notts CYP to develop further volunteering opportunities for young people at both area and national levels.