21.02.2005

KELLOGGS CASH FOR SPORTING HELPERS

Over the last 12 months Dragon Sport in Wrexham has worked closely with local secondary schools & community clubs to identify potential volunteers to assist in sporting sessions within local primary schools.

The programme has proved to be a huge success with many young volunteers not only gaining sports coaching qualifications but invaluable experience in the field of coaching. However, due to a lack of resources the programme has previously been limited.

Through links with Kellogg's communities affairs manager Bruce Learner, Wrexham Council's Sports Development Team were able to secure 8,750 in sponsorship to roll the programme out over the next 12 months.

In addition the Sports Council of Wales have supported this sponsorship deal by matching the money pound for pound through their Sports match programme.

As a result of this successful application Sports Council would now like to use the volunteers programme as an example of best practice across Wales.

Wrexhams Sports Development Unit has already received interest from 51 new volunteers and 20 existing volunteers who wish to become involved. Although the programme is primarily aimed at introducing new volunteers in to sports coaching it is also hoped that existing volunteers of all ages and experience will sign up to either the bronze, silver or gold accreditation schemes.