Published on:
15
August 2008
Winning Scotland Foundation (WSF) will join forces with Clackmannanshire Council on 27 August to launch the Positive Coaching Scotland programme. This is the first time the programme has been rolled out across an entire county, with Clackmannanshire chosen because of its strong framework of sport in schools and clubs, from nursery through to school leavers.
Positive Coaching promotes an alternative to the traditional 'win at all costs' culture which has infiltrated youth sport, resulting in violent and irresponsible behaviour which has led to a high drop out rate. It involves parents, teachers and coaches all working towards encouraging sportsmanlike behaviour and positive attitudes and is based on an American model which has stopped teenagers dropping out of sport. Teachers, coaches and parents can attend live educational workshops, supported by a training website and media material.
Jim Dawson, a Clackmannanshire youth football coach, former rugby player and parent, said, 'Positive Coaching will be a fantastic way to bridge the gap between Clackmannanshire's popular nursery and primary programme and the secondary school sports. The programme teaches life lessons through sport, encouraging children to do their best in every field. I can really see how it will help children to enjoy sport and stick at it, when previously they might have been discouraged.'
He added, 'As a parent, I want my children to be active and healthy throughout their lives. All parents in Clackmannanshire can recognise the power of sport by getting involved in this programme.'
Clackmannanshire has one of the most highly-regarded sports development functions in Scotland. It was the first local authority in the UK to devise and implement a Primary PE Plan and it employs a sports development team who deliver classes, holiday school programmes and coaching in schools to more than 1,500 children.
Graham Watson, Winning Scotland Foundation's executive director, discovered Positive Coaching while living in the US. He said, 'We have sought out local authorities that share our passion for sport and recognise it as a vehicle of social change. Clackmannanshire Council is a prime example of that, which is why it is the only county where Positive Coaching will be rolled out across the whole area. The Council's programme is integrated and inclusive and we expect this to be a fruitful partnership.'
Councillor Bobby McGill, the Council's portfolio holder for sport, added, 'Parents, teachers, coaches and club leaders are the key influencers in a child's life. Positive Coaching will bring them together to emphasis the message that Clackmannanshire's sports development team has always promoted: that motivation and commitment will lead to positive results in sport and in life.'