Last year we developed a partnership with the Sports & Wellbeing department at UCLAN and the Lancashire School Games organisers (SGO) to provide a programme for students supporting the 2018 Lancashire School Games.
Lewis Williams a 2nd Year Sports studies Student has supported Lee Cadwallader (School Games Organiser) in delivering a number of school games competitions and has provided valuable support over the course of the 2017/2018 year.
On Lewis’s contribution throughout the year, Lee said: "We have had Lewis Williams carry out a placement with us and he has been an absolute god send! He very quickly built relationships at events with children and staff and was a highly reliable volunteer. He was always punctual and saw every event through from beginning to end making sure he was involved and in the thick of it. He was confident and made sure his work was noticed.
"On one occasion, when his car broke down he got the train to Blackpool from Preston and then walked to the event venue....then did the return journey, now that displays the kind of commitment Lewis has. He has definitely put himself in the shop window across Wyre and Fylde for future employment and will always be welcome to support any future events we hold.”
Lewis said: “Working with Lee, at Wyre and Fylde Sports Partnership, has been great for my own personal experience within the sport and education sector. Getting an insight into the organisation of various events has improved many personal skills of mine which will help with my development as a future educator. Building rapport with schools, students, volunteers, facility staff, and other SGO's has improved my confidence and my communication skills, ultimately building a strong portfolio for my future career.”
Chris Gunn, University of Central Lancashire reflected on the development of the programme between Uclan, Active Lancashire and the SGO’s. He said: “Numerous graduate recruiters have been emphasising, for many years, the significance of relevant and realistic industry or sector experience combined with an academic education as prerequisites for employability. The collaborative project Uclan and Active Lancashire implemented during 2017/2018 has enabled students to work alongside professionals within school sport to enhance their practical knowledge and extend their professional competencies and networks.”
Schools who have won Level 2 competitions in the Wyre and Fylde district will go onto to compete against other districts in the SPAR Lancashire School Games County finals at Blackpool Stanley Park on 3rd July.
