Every other Thursday, students from five local primary schools arrive at Knutsford Academy, to take part in fun and engaging activities, ranging from football taster sessions to cross country events.
The program, which is organised and managed by Knutsford Academy PE Teacher, Lydia Whittaker, is promoting more children to become involved in team and individual sports.
Lydia Whittaker emphasised the importance of working in a team as everyone can “learn from others” and said sports helped to develop “life skills” such as communication and leadership.
The activities are free and are designed to include multiple different sports and games.
In the past, Whittaker has worked in partnership with Sale Harriers Club, the Knutsford Hockey Club and the Knutsford Rugby Club to provide students with specialist coaching that allows children to develop their skills in a wide-range of sports.
In addition, the program also provides secondary school students aged 13 to 15, who attend Knutsford Academy, to improve their leadership skills by helping to run the activities and coach the children involved.
Lydia Whittaker said that sports leaders support her in a variety of ways, such as, “encouraging the primary school children, refereeing games and assisting the schools that take part”.
Lydia Whittaker also said that her favourite part of the program is seeing the ‘development of students who are very nervous, to students who are confident in their ability to lead’.
When Lydia Whittaker and her sports leaders design activities, they ensure their activities are designed to be “fun and creative” but are always working towards “improving a skill such as coordination, balance or agility”.
Later this year, students can expect to be involved in events ranging from ‘dance taster sessions’ to athletic events which will provide a whole-world of fun.
