Local Sports Stars launch Council Coach Education Programme

November 1, 2016

Paralympic Gold Medallist Jason Smyth and NI’s highest ranked gymnast Casey Bell encouraged sports clubs and coaches in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area to avail of specialised training opportunities as they helped launch the Council’s popular coach education programme.

The annual programme includes nearly 20 courses, which are aimed at helping those involved in a sports coaching role, to obtain the skills and knowledge to develop their club and get the best out of their players or athletes. Courses include First Aid, Safeguarding Children, Sports Nutrition, Disability Inclusion to name but a few.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, the Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Councillor Tim Morrow said, “I am delighted to welcome Paralympic Gold Medallist, Jason Smyth and Salto Gymnast, Casey Bell to help launch the Council’s coach education programme. Their sporting achievements on a world stage represent a tremendous inspiration to coaches in local sports clubs aiming to nurture the next generation of sporting stars and develop club members to compete at the highest level.”

“The Council is delighted to be leading the way in the provision of coach education for sports clubs. The great strength of the clubs in our area is very much down to the ability of our coaches which depends greatly on the development opportunities provided to them through subsidised initiatives such as these programmes.”

For a copy of the coach education programme, please visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or call 028 9250 9567.