Council and Sports Forum keep coaches and clubs’ training on track with online workshops

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum are calling on coaches and sports clubs across the borough to further develop their knowledge and skills by availing of online training opportunities being offered as part of the Coach Education and Club Development Programme for 2020/21.

In light of the pandemic, the programme will be delivered differently this year with participants able to choose from a number of online workshops and webinars between now and March 2021.

Acknowledging the invaluable role that clubs and coaches play in guiding and inspiring life-long participation and success in sport, Lord Mayor Councillor Kevin Savage, said:

“I am delighted to officially launch the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Coach Education and Club Development Programme 2020/21.

As a Council we recognise the valuable contribution made by our clubs, coaches and volunteers in the development of our athletes and local clubs across the borough.

Now, more than ever, it is important that we stay connected and I am delighted that we can continue to support the development of our clubs, coaches and volunteers at all levels via online workshops to ensure that clubs across the borough continue to excel.”

The first set of workshops have just being announced.

‘Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport’ on Monday 16 November (6.45pm-9pm) will raise awareness of child protection issues in sport and will introduce participants to the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport.

‘Income Generation, Fundraising, Grants/Foundations and Sponsorship for Sports Clubs’ on Wednesday 25 November (6.30pm-8pm) will focus on how sports clubs can become financially sustainable by generating income from a variety of sources including sponsorship, fundraising and grants/foundations. It will be delivered by sports strategist Geoff Wilson – a part-time lecturer in marketing at Queen’s University Belfast and Chair of Netball Northern Ireland.

Designated Safeguarding Officer on Monday 7 and Wednesday 9 December (6.45pm-8.30pm) will help those with responsibility for safeguarding to further understand their role. It will cover key legislation and good practice, how to respond in a range of situations of concern and how to develop the standards of safeguarding within a club environment.

There’s a £10 participation fee for each of the three workshops, which must be paid at the time of booking.

However, participation is free for affiliated clubs of Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum. Those who qualify will receive separate booking instructions and a voucher code by email.

More workshops will be announced in December for workshops planned for early next year.

To find out more about the content of each workshop or to book your place, visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coacheducation

For further information, contact Amanda Mogey, Assistant Sports Development Officer, on 028 3831 1693 or email