Active Leadership Award

Introduction

The award is designed to provide trained, knowledgeable and enthusiastic community based physical activity leaders

Leaders will be equipped to work in a wide range of locations including local clubs, community groups, workplaces, community centres and sports’ clubs

Leaders will aim to increase participation rates in physical activity in a variety of practical ways: -

Encourage a wide range of people, such as friends, colleagues and contacts to take up active leisure pursuits

Apply their knowledge and skills to plan, organise and lead safe, enjoyable activity sessions with small groups

Assist in the planning, organising and running of community sports days

 

Aims & Objectives of the Course

The training course has been developed by a cross border Development Committee comprising representatives of the Irish Sports Council, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, and Sport for All tutors from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

It is intended that the course is a practical and enjoyable experience for the participant

The intended outcome is that the trainee leader will be competent and confident in taking charge of a group for physical activity sessions. Specifically, the successful leader will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to plan, organise and lead physical activity sessions within their own group setting

The training courses are organised at local level by Local Sports Partnership

 

Eligibility

At the start of the course, trainee leaders should be: -

Over 16 years in Northern Ireland

Over 18 years in the Republic of Ireland

 

Considerations for Course Leaders

In selecting candidates for the course, consideration should be given to the following: -

A person’s reasons for applying for the course

Opportunities for using the training

Links to clubs, community groups or other groupings

It is strongly advised that the course organiser is satisfied as to the suitability of applicants to leadership situations, including personal interest, enthusiasm and experience/common sense. The tutor will also assess these qualities throughout the course

 

The Training Course

Aims & Objectives

Firstly it is intended that the course is a practical and enjoyable experience for the participant

The intended outcome is that the trainee leader will be competent and confident in taking charge of a group for physical activity sessions. Specifically, the successful leader will be equipped with the necessary skills to plan, organise and lead physical activity sessions within their own group setting

 

Learning Outcomes

Following the course, the successful leader will: -

Understand their role as a leader and how they will apply it within their organisation

Display an ability to plan and lead a fun physical activity session demonstrating leadership skills such as communication, observation and group management

Demonstrate an ability to safely lead a group of up to 16 people

 

Course Duration

The total course will be 10 to 12 hours comprising of practical and theoretical units

 

Course Modules

What is Active Leadership?

Leadership skills

Safety and injury prevention

Planning and organising

Signposting – opportunities for further development and training

 

Practical activities

Practical activities will be used to develop the participants’ leadership abilities, skills and knowledge

 

Course Assessment

For a participant to successfully complete the training course, the Tutor should be confident in the leader’s ability to successfully plan and safely lead a fun activity session. All trainee leaders will be continuously assessed throughout the course on their: -

Personal skills