Sport for Confidence Welcomes the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Posted on 29th October 2018 at 09:35
On October 30, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Basildon Sporting Village and enjoyed a game of boccia coached by one of four Sport For Confidence sports coaches who are part of The Royal Foundation’s Coach Core apprenticeship scheme.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex launched Coach Core following the London Olympics in a bid to inspire young people aged 16-24 with sport and create the next generation of sports coaches who will themselves go on to inspire their communities for many more generations to come.
Three years ago, Sport For Confidence engaged its first Coach Core apprentice. The apprentice gained hands-on experience under the close mentorship of a qualified sports coach, assisting in the delivery of Sport For Confidence physical activity sessions.
Today, Sport For Confidence employs three sports coaches who have come through the Coach Core apprenticeship scheme, with a long term plan to continue to support the scheme as Sport For Confidence extends its reach both through the expansion of its programme in existing venues and as it moves into new locations.
Lyndsey Barrett, Senior Occupational Therapist and Founder of Sport For Confidence, says: “Our programme engages individuals who face barriers to participation, placing specialist health professionals alongside sports coaches to deliver a wide range of sports and physical activities.
“Sport offers incredible life changing opportunities not just through participation but also through employment. Our partnership with Coach Core has enabled us to offer young people a chance to build a sustainable, independent life for themselves. I am so pleased that our coaches have had the opportunity to showcase their talents to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. This is an experience we will all treasure for many years to come.”
In addition to a game of boccia, The Duke and Duchess also spent time talking with Sport For Confidence participants and staff.
Amy Fazackerley, from The Royal Foundation, says: “Sport for Confidence is doing some amazing work with the local community and has been an invaluable partner to the Coach Core programme. The continual support, guidance and mentoring the team provides has been vital to their apprentice coaches, enabling them to develop their confidence, raise aspirations and ultimately, build a more promising future. We are proud to work with Sport for Confidence and hope to maintain this partnership for many years to come.”
The visit was hosted by the Everyone Active team at Basildon Sporting Village. James Dennis, Centre Manager, says: “It has been a real honour to host the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Sport For Confidence creates opportunities for individuals who may otherwise struggle to access sport. Their partnership with The Royal Foundation, via the Coach Core apprenticeship scheme, has created employment opportunities for some truly talented young people. I look forward to working with Sport For Confidence to expand the programme and the opportunities that growth creates.”
For more information, please contact Katie Lewis on 07912215302 or email katie.lewis@brandchatter.co.uk
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