The 2007 Step into Sport Leadership & Volunteering conference took place at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Aylesbury on Thursday 22nd November.
The event was organised by Bucks Sport staff with support from the Partnership Development Managers from each of the 8 School Sport Partnerships.
Over 150 students from 33 secondary schools across the county signed up to the 12 month Step into Sport programme (supported by Sport England, the Youth Sport Trust and Milton Keynes based Sports Leaders UK), which aims to involve young people aged 16-19 in volunteering activities within local sporting clubs and organisations. The students in return will gain certificates of achievement for giving their time - along with valuable life skills and experiences. It is hoped that the volunteering will also continue on a more long term basis.
Jo Sarjent, England and GB basketball star was the guest of honour invited to attend as part of the Sporting Champions initiative to share her story of her basketball career and why volunteers have played such a crucial part of her success.
The students were also lucky enough to hear Rebecca Todd speak of her volunteer experiences over the last 12 months since attending the 2006 Step into Sport conference. Rebecca (a Burnham Grammar School student) has been heavily involved in Football coaching and was one of 4 chosen to go to Malawi and work on a Girl's Football project (click here for her full story).
Both speakers were extremely inspirational and informative.
During the event, the students attended a number of workshops focussing on skills and information to prepare them for succesful volunteer placements. There were a mix of practical leadership sessions run by Longridge Outdoor Activity Centre, multi-skills workshops, child welfare and a guide to Step into Sport.
Bucks Sport staff also provided them with information about a range of sports volunteering opportunities, including coaching and officiating.
Now, with the help of BucksSport, the young people will be committing to volunteering placements within quality-assured local sports clubs, where they will be looked after by specially trained club volunteer co-ordinators, and join the many other people who give up their time to make sport happen in Bucks and Milton Keynes.
