SEND student Connor given experience of a lifetime
During February half-term, SEND student Connor was given the opportunity to volunteer with Active Fusion, giving him some vital experience as he pursues a career as a football coach.
Connor, who is taking part in the Unified Leaders programme, in association with BBC Children in Need within Coppice School, was given the opportunity to volunteer with Active Fusion during half-term on their widely popular sports camps.
It was an opportunity Conner did not want to pass up.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed working for Active Fusion over half-term and meeting some members of the team.
“I wanted to come and get some experience coaching, so I can go back to Coppice School and start delivering some coaching session to different classes there.”
Skills improving
The half-term holiday camps allowed children from all over Doncaster to keep active during lockdown, while also seeing their school friends and benefitting from structured games, challenges and activities.
A host of young people have gained valuable experience volunteering on camp, none more so than Connor, who has used the skills developed on the Unified Leaders programme to his advantage.
The Unified Leaders programme aims to develop the leadership and essential life skills of young people with special educational needs (SEND) through using the power of sport and physical activity.
When asked about the programme, Connor said: “I’m really enjoying it, we have learnt some really interesting things such as how to manage behaviour and how I can set up and deliver a great session.
“My communication, organisation and problem-solving skills have all improved because of Unified Leaders.”
Working on camp
Those skills have come in handy on camp, with Connor stating that the confidence from the programme helped him during his time on camp.
He said: “I was able to communicate with the group and explain some of the games, so the children knew what I wanted them to do.
“I also helped out the other coaches in making sure that the sessions were ready and making sure it was organised.”
“My communication, organisation and problem-solving skills have all improved because of Unified Leaders.”
Chasing dreams
Connor dreams of one day becoming a football coach, and knows that the Unified Leaders programme, alongside volunteering on camp, has allowed him to develop as a person.
When asked if he would work for Active Fusion again, Connor did not hesitate to answer.
He said: “I would like to work for Active Fusion again because I have enjoyed doing something different and experiencing a new challenge.
“I loved being a part of the team.”
To find out more about our Unified Leaders programme, click here.