Sporting Stars day a huge success

The event was one of six days the University are running this academic year for both primary and secondary schools in the local area. These Sporting Stars days aim to inspire and educate children through the field of sport as well as provide them with an insight into higher education.

This project not only gives children the opportunity to learn the science behind sport and try new sports but it also gives University of Exeter students the chance to plan, organise and deliver these days. A Sporting Stars committee made up of twelve undergraduate Sport Science students from the University are working together to gain experience in event management, teaching, coaching and logistics. Students from the University Sports Volunteering Scheme are also given the opportunity to help at each of the days.

The first Primary Sporting Stars Day included seminar sessions in sport psychology, sports nutrition, and movement. Andrew Middlebrooke, Founder and Owner of Exercise Science Consulting Limited who delivered a Nutrition seminar commented, “This is a great opportunity for young people.  They have learnt a huge amount of the science in sport.  This creates a great learning base. The day was very successful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

James Marshall, Founder and Owner of Excelsior delivered a Movement seminar, and said, “Children lack fundamental skills. Good coaching can improve every child.  Keep children's physical ability one step ahead of their technical ability and they can improve at their sport.”

The day also included an Elite Athlete talk by two talented young athletes from Exeter College, Leah Clarke and Shachar Head. Leah is the current South West Waterpolo Captain and also the Senior Ladies Devon Waterpolo goalkeeper whilst Shachar has competed for Great Britain and England in Power Lifting and currently holds the European and World Records for her category. The children were able to learn how these young athletes have progressed to their current levels as well as having the opportunity to see some of their medals and the clothing that they wear at competitions.

The afternoon included sports taster sessions in Cricket, Hockey and Basketball, which were led by local NGB’s and student coaches.  These sessions were fun, interactive and gave the children an insight into different sports.

Sporting Stars Education Days are organised to encourage local primary and secondary school children to take part in sport through learning the science behind sport and trying new sports.  By taking part in this event, it is hoped that the children will continue to play sport by joining local clubs.  Each child is given a goody bag at the end of the day which includes leaflets of the local sports clubs.

This event will be used to demonstrate the positive impact that Universities have on local communities. The legacy of London 2012 has been to encourage young people to get active and stay active, Sporting Stars aims to further this achievement by bringing Sport directly to the children.

These events are only possible through the generous sponsorship from the University’s Annual Fund and RELAYS (Regional Education Legacy for Art and Youth Sport), whose funding enables the provision of free sporting opportunities to children in the local area.

For more information about Sporting Stars or for any information about the projects and session leaders mentioned please contact.

Megan Russell (Participation and Volunteering Coordinator) on 01392722646 or sportingstars@exeter.ac.uk

www.exeter.ac.uk/sportstars

Written by Sian Chapman (Sporting Stars Press Officer)