Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training 'inspired me to inspire others'
“I really enjoyed the training and made some new friends - they have been really supportive of me in delivering activities to youngsters with additional needs. The workshop has inspired me to inspire others.”
A volunteer working for the community arm of a Super League rugby league team says his experience of Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training has greatly increased his confidence in delivering activities for disabled children.
David Musson of Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation attended the workshop, designed to improve the skills and confidence of those who support disabled people to be more active, earlier this year.
Over 2,500 people have done likewise since the training’s introduction, benefitting from the three-hour practical workshop supplemented by online resources.
Prior to undertaking Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training at the University of Chester campus in Warrington, David told the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) why he felt he needed to improve his knowledge and confidence:
“In my role at Wolves I currently support young people with a wide range of needs, disabilities and impairments.
“I wanted to be able to better support the delivery of physical activity and sport opportunities for youngsters with additional needs.”
David, who has a hearing impairment, caters for children and young adults who attend Warrington Wolves sessions.
The activities are not limited to rugby league, but are adapted to include everyone in attendance.
He explained what further knowledge he acquired during the Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training workshop:
“I wanted to increase my confidence in delivering activities, as well as to share experiences with other participants. I found the workshop helped me improve my social interaction skills.
“The workshop increased the number of different sports and activities I have since delivered.”
"My confidence has increased - I am able to try new things"
Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training, part of Active Kids for All, is supported by £1 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England. This programme continues the momentum and creates a lasting legacy for disabled people after the London 2012 Games.
This initiative is being delivered through the English Federation of Disability Sport and sports coach UK.
And Dave has applied much of his learning to his voluntary role at Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation:
“I now feel confident in planning and setting up an activity session, as well as delivering the warm-up activities.
“My confidence has increased which now means I am able to try new things with participants without fear, and I have a better understanding of how to meet the needs of everyone who takes part.
“The training has even allowed me to encourage Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation to purchase new adaptive equipment.”
Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation is a registered charity working within the local community of Warrington. Through the umbrella of sport it works in four key areas: health, education, young people and social welfare.
The Foundation works with the rugby club to enhance and promote its work, using rugby players and mascot Wolfie as ambassadors for our projects.
For further information, please contact EFDS, email AK4A@efds.co.uk or telephone 01509 227751. Find us on Twitter @Eng_Dis_Sport, Facebook and LinkedIn.
