Transition Year Athletic Leaders Join Regeneration Project

Transition Year Athletic Leaders Join Regeneration Project

25 Transition Year Students from Coláiste Gleann Lí, Mercy Mounthawk, Presentation, Gaelcholaiste and CBS secondary schools recently attended an Athletic Leader course jointly delivered by Athletics Ireland and Tralee Harriers Athletic Club. The course provides training on the fundamentals of athletic movement in children through games and is designed to improve agility, balance and co-ordination and is very practical in nature.

The Transition Year students accompanied by Tralee Harriers coaches will deliver an athletics programme in Tralee Primary schools in early 2016.

The aim of the programme is to increase participation in athletics both at school and club level particularly by children in the Mitchels/Boherbee Regeneration area and to encourage and support community involvement by Transition Year students within this area.

“Tralee Harriers has been running this programme for a number of years. The benefits for both the Transition Year students and the primary school students are immense. The Transition year students plan and deliver the athletic classes in the schools, enhancing their leadership and organisational skills. The primary school children really enjoy the classes as they are games based and delivered in a fun way. We are very grateful to Department of Environment, Community & Local Government for the financial support as part of the Regeneration programme and to both Kerry County Council and Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership for the support and additional guidance in programme roll out.” said Linda O Reilly, Tralee Harriers Coach.

According to Frank Lynch, Athletics Ireland Coach, this Transition Year Student group was the most enthusiastic group he has ever worked with and sees great potential and sustainability opportunities while rolling out this type of programme.