SLIGO       

Cumann na mBunscol, Co. Shligigh

Coaching Scheme - a successful partnership 2006

This year sees us embarking on the second year of our Coaching in Primary Schools Initiative. This scheme brings coaches to the primary schools of County Sligo to encourage fun, skill development and participation in Gaelic games. This initiative is a joint venture between Cumann na mBunscol, Co Shligigh, Sligo IT, our local clubs and our County Board. The scheme sees students studying in the Business and Leisure Course in Sligo IT spending their work experience in primary schools throughout the county from February to May. Every interested school has a visit from these coaches once a week - to work with pupils from infants to 6^th or as the school requires.

For many years in Sligo, as in many other counties, there were many appeals from Sligo schools for visiting coaches to assist and enhance the work being undertaken in schools. This seemed like an impossible task. However, after intense work by members of Cumann na mBunscol and the County Board in conjunction with the Sligo IT, 2005 saw the official launch of the scheme. This launch gave us all great hope for the future but without enthusiastic and skilful coaches that hope would be short lived. Any doubts were quickly dispelled when the students arrived in our schools. These students arrived in our schools full of enthusiasm and energy.  They were equipped to coach pupils of all ages and involved all pupils in fun activities which also allowed development of Gaelic skills. These coaches were a great asset in our schools.

In preparation for our Annual Roadstone Awards it was decided to prepare a submission for the Football Development Award which showcased our new initiative. This project was a celebration of a successful year’s work by all interested parties. It was a fitting reward that our county was awarded with the Football Development Award. It was also a tribute to all parties who were involved in this initiative, if needed, to show what a worthwhile and valuable venture this is.

And so here we are in Year 2! Again as this year’s scheme started we felt concerned that it would be difficult to reach the heights of last year’s successful venture. Again our fears were unfounded. This year’s students are as enthusiastic and skilful as last year’s. The pupils look forward to their visit each week and indeed teachers have plenty to learn from them also. Our clubs and County Board have again supported this scheme fully and have assisted in its smooth running.   Schools have welcomed the students again with enthusiasm anxious as ever to provide their pupils with every opportunity to become a fully rounded individual. Lastly, this scheme would not be so successful without the input of Cumann na mBunscol, Co Shligigh in particular that work undertaken by John Hughes and Eamon Mullen who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the scheme.

Bernadette Ryan (Runai, Cumann na mBunscol)