Forty Young Leaders aged from 14 to 17 years old from clubs from across the whole of the North East Region attended Development days in Leeds and Beverley over the weekend of the 14th and 15th March.
All the Young Leaders participated in workshops which covered event volunteering and Swimming Officiating. The Young Leaders positively engaged with the day’s programme and all that it entailed. All qualified as British Swimming Timekeepers and will be next be provided with additional volunteering opportunities which are available on a county, regional and national level.
During the day three Young Leaders who have been part of the programme, over the last 12 to 24 months, presented to the group. Heather Hirst from City of Leeds Synchro explained how she has volunteered at a variety of events in different aquatic disciplines; Jas Sissons from Bridlington ASC talked about how she has qualified as a British Swimming Judge 1 and volunteered at the World Transplant Games; Faye Rogers from Stockton ASC talked about her role on the Swim England National Youth panel. All spoke extremely well and presented themselves as very positive role models.
After the day, one Young Leader commented, “The development day was really excellent and has given me the confidence and skills I need to go on and officiate future swim meets inside, and out of my club. The experience of taking part in a real life scenario, at the gala, was great for gaining more knowledge and putting the skills you’ve learnt into practice with the help of other, more experienced officials. The stories of others ,who have been on previous development days, really inspired me; encouraging me to go on and complete any opportunities that come my way in the future, whether that be more development days or gaining another qualifications such as my Judging 1 qualification. Thank you very much for allowing me to attend and gain these skills.”
The Referee from the two events, Stuart Walker, commented “I have been most impressed with the Young Leaders, both in the way in which they completed their officiating duties and conducted themselves in such a positive manner. Their timekeeping duties were to a very high standard and they are welcome to officiate at any event which I referee in the future.”
One of the event organisers commented that “They looked very professional and did an excellent job. They are most welcome to come and help at our future events.”
Thanks goes to Team Jorvik and Beverley Barracudas who enabled the Young Leaders to act as Time Keepers at their Level 3 galas and to Chris Halliday for delivering the Timekeeper training.
If any NE Region club is interested in engaging their Young Leaders in the volunteer programme, please contact the Swim England North East Regional office.
