News

Sports development community initiatives at Queen’s Campus, Stockton

(4 January 2005)

The University of Durham’s sports development initiative “Centre for Life” at the Queen’s Campus, Stockton, aims to increase links with the local community.

This is being achieved in a number of ways, firstly by developing relationships with local sports organisations such as Stockton Sport Development and secondly by increasing opportunities for student coaching and raising awareness of sports specific coaching qualifications.

The first phase of the new sports facilities is nearing completion and this will hopefully provide a catalyst to build on existing partnerships to help to deliver the University’s aim to have a local and regional plan for sport and health.

The Centre for Life initiative seeks to bring together local partners with expertise in health fitness, education, sport and public provision. The Centre will offer new opportunities for students, individuals, schools and community groups to come to the Campus and follow tailor-made activity programmes, and hold sporting tournaments with the support and guidance of professional staff.

With newly established links with two local secondary schools five students now undertake after school hockey coaching as part of the Coaching in the Community Scheme. In addition three students have been working with disabled children as part of Billingham Sports Ability Group.

Discussions are currently under way with Middlesbrough Football Club to hold four two-day Health & Lifestyle Courses at the University. Pupils from local secondary schools will be targeted to receive healthy lifestyle education. Activities will include football coaching, healthy eating lessons, and smoking cessation.

The Community Sports Scheme offers a range of opportunities for students to gain coaching qualifications, work experience and to opportunities to help supplement their income.

Last term saw the establishment of the Queen’s Campus Sailing Club, which sails from the Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre. Both staff and students hit the high seas gaining a Royal Yachting Association Level 1 Award in Dinghy Sailing. It is hoped to establish a racing club.

Another new initiative is being developed to help establish links between the University and local Secondary Schools. The pilot programme is proving to be very successful with links established with St. Patrick’s Secondary and Thornaby Community School.

The Sports Development Team at Queen’s Campus is funded as part of the university’s Knowledge into Business Project which seeks to facilitate community and business links in the Tees Valley. This support is provided by the Tees Valley Partnership’s Single Programme via One NorthEast.

The Project is co-ordinated at Queen’s Campus by Andy Cattermole, Tees Valley Regional Regeneration Officer: Tel: (0191) 334 0139, E-mail: a.j.cattermole@durham.ac.uk

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For further information please contact the Sport Development Office: D341 Ebsworth Building, http://www.teamdurham.com/queens

Media enquiries to: Tom Fennelly, Public Relations Office, University of Durham, Tel : 0191 334 6078 e-mail: t.p.fennelly@durham.ac.uk