Knowing I’ve done something to benefit children during this tough time makes me proud to be a coach
Former Active Fusion apprentice Bailey Cowsell spent the February half-term making sure children in Edlington had access to physical activity opportunities.
The 19-year-old, who completed his apprenticeship in 2020, took the opportunity to do something productive this half-term to benefit not only himself, but children across Doncaster.
He said: “I’ve found the entire camp experience to be really good.
“It was a new opportunity for myself to develop my experience in coaching, but also making the children happy and giving them a good experience through lockdown.”
No stranger to camps
Throughout his apprenticeship, Bailey frequently coached on Active Fusion holiday camps, bringing his energy and passion for physical activity to children from all walks of life.
Being a young man who recognises the help he’s received, Bailey wanted the opportunity to give back to Active Fusion, and the best way to do that was to help the charity deliver memorable camps.
He said: “Being a former apprentice, I’ve worked on camps before and they’ve always been an enjoyable, rewarding experience.
“Active Fusion were always really helpful to me throughout the course of my apprenticeship, so I wanted to give them something back for showing faith in me.”
Benefitting children
With the nation in lockdown, children have suffered tremendously.
The holiday camps gave children the opportunity to be themselves, and while Bailey delivered a range of sporting activities for them to enjoy, he was pleased to see them smiling and showing high energy.
He added: “Just the children being here is amazing.
“Obviously throughout lockdown they haven’t really been able to do much so to see them here on camp with us, laughing, smiling, enjoying themselves is great to see.
“Knowing I’ve done something to benefit children during this tough time makes me proud to be a coach.”
Upskilling knowledge
With the government restrictions in place for all outdoor activity, Bailey had to develop and adapt his sessions throughout the week.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, the Barnsley born coach saw these camps as a chance to increase his coaching ability regardless of the circumstance.
He said: “We’ve ran a lot of socially distanced games and had to be more aware of our surrounding than ever before.
“This has upskilled my knowledge on how to deliver quality sessions with restrictions which has been really beneficial for my progression.”
“Active Fusion were always really helpful to me throughout the course of my apprenticeship, so I wanted to give them something back for showing faith in me.”
A helping hand
The apprenticeship programme has had such a profound impact on Bailey, so much so that he is one of the first to put his hand up to work for the charity again.
When asked if he’d work for Active Fusion again, there was only ever going to be one answer.
He said: “100 per cent. Active Fusion have been so helpful to me, so I’ll always stick my hand up and help them wherever possible.
“The more I can help Active Fusion and children who need it, the better coach and better person I become.”
To find out more about the Active Fusion apprenticeship programme, click here.