An initiative run by Berwick Academy in partnership with Active Northumberland, to re-ignite the passion of physical activity and sport in young girls is to be part of a national campaign. 

 

The Youth Sports Trust has asked the pupils to feature in a video to highlight the great work that is taking place in the North and to inspire other schools to follow their lead 

 

The award-winning Berwick Academy project involved supporting and training 30 girls who were disengaged in sport, through their Professional Level 1 Bowls qualification resulting in them having the skills and knowledge to successfully lead Indoor bowls activity sessions to six local primary schools. 

 

The school teamed up with Active Northumberland, School Games and Bowls Scotland to deliver regular indoor carpet bowling coaching sessions at the new Berwick Sports Centre. 

 

They also spent several sessions working with Team GB boxing coach Amanda Coulson to develop their leadership skills through The Youth Sports Trust Girls Active programme, 

 

Later this month the YST national development manager and a professional video company will be visiting the girls at the Active Northumberland Berwick Sports & Leisure Centre to capture footage and record some interviews for their campaign. 

 

Franki Clark Head of PE, School and Community Service with Active Northumberland said 

 

“It’s fantastic that this project has been highlighted as an example of best practice to showcase nationally. 

 

“The whole ethos of the scheme was to empower the girls by engaging with them from the outset to give them a real sense of ownership and keep them motivated. We found out what was discouraging them from taking part in sport, the activities they would like to do and what they wanted to achieve. 

 

“We found out they were keen to develop leadership and mentoring skills in a new sport and they decided on bowling. “ 

 

Earlier this year Berwick Academy won the Youth Sports Trust Impact Award – which celebrates the impact achieved by schools and their sporting partners for young people. 

 

Stephen Wilkinson. Head of PE from Berwick Academy said: 

 

"This has been a fantastic scheme for the girls who have developed confidence and friendships through it, while having great fun in the process. 

 

“Schools tend to deliver more traditional sports such as hockey, netball, athletics football and rugby – but they aren’t for everyone. We have acknowledged this, and we hope that by promoting this new approach and the successful outcomes, we can inspire other schools too and help to get more young people to enjoy sport. 

  

“To some, bowling could be perceived as a sport for older people, but this project has broken down stereotypes by highlighting that no matter what the activity, the benefits of sport are the same.” 

 

The Youth Sport Trust is the UK's leading charity improving every young person's education and development through sport and play.