Published on:
21
November 2013
The top teams from the Clackmannanshire Primary Schools Sports Association P6 Basketball Tournaments were recently given the chance to play alongside a Glasgow Rocks game at the Emirates Stadium.
Scottish Sports Futures initiative Jump2It has been working alongside the Council's primary PE and Active Schools staff to promote basketball, and pupils have been preparing their skills since the start of term. The Clackmannanshire primary schools entered their P6 teams in the Clackmannanshire Primary Schools Sports Association annual programme of events and in September competed in the basketball tournament
Over 70 P6 pupils staff and families from Clackmannanshire visited the stadium. The Clackmannanshire tournament was split into a section for boys and a section for girls. Eight teams qualified for the Jump 2 It final at the Emirates Stadium; four girls teams and four boys teams. The pupils were from Tillicoultry, Strathdevon, St Mungo's, Abercromby and Craigbank primary schools.
Glasgow Rocks were playing Worcester Wolves and prior to this league game had a tournament and skills stations on the court for the Clackmannanshire pupils. With an audience of over 2,000 this could have been an overwhelming experience for the pupils however they all rose to the occasion, played extremely well and had a fantastic time.
Pupils, staff and families had been given ticket vouchers and had transport laid on for the event. Pupils got to meet the Glasgow Rocks, join in with the cheerleaders, had group photographs taken and signed photographs of the players.
Education Convener Ellen Forson said: "This was an exciting experience for the pupils at a professional sports event with an exciting atmosphere where the pupils performed very well. From the organisation of the transport to the activities at the Emirates and meeting the Glasgow Rocks the pupils and their families have experienced a great opportunity. We are grateful to Scottish Sports Futures for including the schools in the Jump 2 It programme this year."
Council sports development coaches escorted the pupils, coached their sessions and refereed the games. Meg Bannerman, a young leader from Alva Academy attended the Council's October coach education programme and was able to use her new skills at the Emirates Stadium.