Leadership Academy
What are Leadership Academies?
The Leadership Academy forms part of the Step into Sport Programme (SiS) and targets 16 - 19 year olds by providing a framework of coordinated opportunities at a local level, to enable young people to sustain an involvement in leadership and volunteering in sport. The Leadership Academy provides localised support for young leaders within the School Sport Partnership. It is in essence a Leadership Club designed to provide high quality support, training and development for students who are committed to actively volunteering within their school and/or community setting.
Managed by the School Sport Partnership, a Leadership Academy may take on a variety of forms but the outcomes remain the same:
a) Provide support to young leaders on a group and individual basis
b) Signpost young leaders on to appropriate qualifications and awards
c) Provide the opportunity for young leaders to learn from their peers and share ideas
d) Support young leaders to source appropriate placements and volunteering experiences
e) Profile, celebrate and reward members achievements in volunteering and leadership within schools and the community
To view a presentation of Cannock and Rugeley SSP Leadership Academy click here.
What roles can young people undertake?
1. Coaching
2. Officiating
3. Event management
4. Team management
5. Sports Administration
6. IT & Media
Through involvement in the Leadership Academy we will develop leaders through sport and leaders in sport. The academy also aims to support 'personal change' in young people by supporting the development of inter-personal skills, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. The initiative also aims to support 'structural change' within key agencies to offer broader opportunties for young people to contribute to the delivery of sport.
Leadership Academy Launch February 2009
Sports Leaders from Cannock and Rugeley were invited to the launch of the Leadership Academy on Thursday 12th February at Rugeley Leisure Centre. The event was supported by Sporting Champion swimmer Adam Whitehead who delivered a presentation on his experiences of school sport, leadership opportunities and his personal career highs and lows. The academy members listened to a presentation about the Leadership Academy; the aims and objectives, structure and leadership opportunities both local and regional which are available to them. Pupils received an information pack and completed a Leadership Profile. These documents were then collected in to enable a group and individual analysis of the academy members leadership experiences and stated preferences for development. 
Leadership Academy Conference March 2009
Working in partnership with South Staffordshire SSP and Burntwood and Lichfield SSP a Leadership Academy Conference 'Developing and Training Young Leaders' took place on Thursday 26th March for over 70 academy members. The day was filled with opportunities to gain awards and qualifications in Tag Rugby, F.A Futsal, Sportshall Athletics, Tri-Golf Activators and First Aid. Several students also completed a Competitions workshop delivered by our Competitions Managers. The event was supported by Sporting Champion footballer Andy Sinton who spoke to the students about his experiences and involvement in leadership aswell as his memories as a professional footballer. In addition to gaining a 'bolt-on' award over 15 academy members received either a Bronze or Silver Step into Sport certificate for 50 or 100 hours of leadership and volunteering in local schools and/or the community. The event was a real success with all members receiving their Leadership Academy t-shirts which made each SSP stand out from the crowd. We hope to run the event next year and offer more variety in the courses and workshops on offer.
Leadership Academy Opportunities: June & July
There are a variety of leadership opportunties throughout the summer term, here are a selection:
1. Cluster Festivals for local primary schools - see your School Sport Coordinator for more information
2. School Sport Partnership wide festivals and competitions: Year 3/4 Kwik Cricket Wednesday 3rd June - speak to Competitions Manager Nigel Camacho
3. Festival of Sport Friday 3rd July Rugeley Lesiure Centre - speak to Pippa Morris
4. National School Sport Week Monday 29th June - Friday 3rd July: find out what's happening in your school
IMPORTANT:
As a Leadership Academy member you will receive regular emails about Leadership Opportunities on a local, regional and national level in a variety of sports and activities. We have several members who have followed up emails and have been selected for regional level leadership training in a variety of sports. Well done to you all!
Please remember to check your emails as an exciting opportunity may just be around the corner!