Sporting Champions open South Staffordshire Leadership Academy

South Staffordshire SSP moved into their second year of Leadership Academy interventions with a Year 11 Leadership Academy at Aldersley Village on Thursday 22^nd October. The Conference was opened by Olympic Sporting Champion Phil Brown and aspiring Triathlete Philip Wolfe.

Sporting Champion Phil Brown, former World, Commonwealth, European and Olympic Games medallist in the 4x400m relay, attended the second annual South Staffordshire Schools Leadership Academy Conference at Aldersley Village in Wolverhampton on Thursday 22^nd October 2009. Accompanying him was Philip Wolfe – aspiring 20 year old Triathlete, former student of Cheslyn Hay Sport & Community High School who in September 2009 in Australia competed in the Aquathlon World Championship in the Under 23 Elite category, finishing third and bringing home the Bronze Medal. Later that month on the Gold Coast, Eastern Australia, Philip competed in the World Triathlon Championships – 20 to 24 age group – finishing 14^th and being the first British athlete home.
  

  Phillip Wolfe (Left) and Phil Brown (Right)

The Leadership Academy is part of the Step into Sport initiative to develop volunteering and leadership in the South Staffordshire School Sport Partnership. Sporting Champions Phil Brown and Phil Wolfe addressed 38 specially selected Year 11 students from the area’s six High Schools. These youngsters have given a great deal of their own time and effort volunteering and leading in a variety of settings ranging from local primary schools and school festivals to assisting at sports clubs in their own community. The aim of the event was not only to inspire and enthuse these young people, but also to reward them for their efforts and provide them with specific training in Sportshall Athletics.

Phil Brown & Philip Wolfe pictured with students who attended the conference

Phil Brown gave a key note speech based on his own experiences from the early years of competing through to the height of his Athletics career - Olympic Silver with the G.B 4x400m relay team in Los Angeles in 1984. Phil recalled that his PE teacher was so sure of his potential that he paid his annual subscription to the local athletics club to ensure that his talent was not lost. Philip Wolfe answered questions about his hopes, aspirations, and the difficulties he has encountered during his progress to elite athlete.

This was followed by the Level 1 Sportshall Athletics course delivered by Development Officer Adam Burgess who led the students in the delivery and officiating of Sportshall Athletics. The development of Sportshall Competitions by Competition Managers at Key Stages 2 and 3 will offer the students an early opportunity to put their new skills into action.

Eric Field - Leadership Coordinator for South Staffordshire SSP and organiser of the event said "We were delighted to have two elite sportsmen with us on the day, especially as they reflect sporting success at both ends of the spectrum – one having completed the hard work and achieved glory on the track, and the other just setting out on the journey. The students who attended understand that, for them such high achievements may be beyond them; however, the more young people that they involve in sport through volunteering and leadership, the greater the chance of discovering top class athletes increase. The youngsters who attended the Conference are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles through activity from the playground to the sports field.”

Eric Field
Leadership Coordinator and SSCo
T: 01922 416024
E: ericfield50@hotmail.co.uk