Around 100 Swansea school pupils have been trained to encourage classmates to get active – and improve their health.
They were mentored by Swansea Council sport and health officers and now have the title young ambassador for sport in their schools.
The scheme has been run by the council for around 11 years and inspires young people aged nine to 14. The young leaders can deliver sports activities, games and physical literacy sessions in schools and local sports clubs
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Our young ambassadors are key to ensuring that pupils have a voice in sport.
“They improve and develop movement skills, ability levels, confidence and enjoyment of sports activities for other young people.
“They increase the number of physical activity opportunities for target groups such as girls, those with a disability and those in deprived areas. They support children with behavioural issues or anxiety.
“We’re fortunate to have such a talented number of young people to help deliver sport in our city.”
Partners for the Swansea scheme include the Youth Sports Trust, Sport Wales, Freedom Leisure and students from Gower College.
The council’s young ambassador scheme is run by its sport and health team who hosted a bronze level training day at the city centre LC this week (note: Nov 27).
Primary schools from around Swansea chose pupils from years five and six to represent them. Back in their schools and local communities, they will help deliver sports sessions and promote sports participation and positive behaviour.
Since its launch, more than Swansea 600 young people have been trained in this way and the amount of primary school sport has increased.
