On Saturday last, 5th January, in the Ballroom of the Allingham Hotel in Bundoran, 19 coaches from Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal got the new year of to a good start when they successfully completed the Athletics Ireland Leader Course. The Leader coaching course focuses on introducing the fundamentals of athletic movement to children –i.e. agility, balance and coordination and is aimed at providing teachers, parents and club members with the skills and tools to manage and lead an Athletics Programme for 6 to 11 age group. The content of the course included • Group coaching skills • Games to provide fun in developing fitness • Practical sessions on running and agility, jumping and throwing. • Developing an awareness of the growing child and the implications on fitness activities • Planning a session and a program. At the conclusion of the day Eamon Harvey, Athletics Ireland Tutor and R.D.O. congratulated all the coaches on their commitment in attending and successfully completing the course. He thanked course tutor David Doherty for delivering the course, county Donegal PRO Paddy Donoghue for his support in ensuring that the course took place and the management of the Allingham Hotel for their support .He concluded by outlined the ongoing coach and club support services available from Athletics Ireland’s Development and Coaching teams. Group photo: Athletics Leader course, Bundoran Saturday 05th January 2008. Back row L-R: Adrian Callaghan, Karen Gilmartin, Martina Patton, Jacinta Brennan, Shelley Roper, Ann Donoghue and Brenda Morris. Middle row L-R: Sharon Bradley, Carol Roper, Bernie McNeely, Ann McGill, Sheila Reynolds, Pauric McGuinn, Mary Connolly and Tina Whitehead. Front row L-R: Ciaran O’Donnell, Vinny Duffy, Noel Carr and Sharon McGowan.