What is it?

Our Young Leaders programme promotes the development of confidence and leadership in its members, through structured coaching, mentoring and events experiences. Our programme is designed to give our Young Leaders a positive experience in working with children, and prepare them for potential coaching qualifications in the future. Joining the Young Leaders is purely voluntary, and is available for all LGC members in Year 7 and above (age 11/12).

How it works

Young leaders are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 hour of coaching time per week, assisting in the coaching and development of Gymnastics for All group. Days and times are somewhat flexible, we have to make sure the group is appropriate for the age and experience of the young leader. Other volunteer opportunities throughout the year may appear such as assisting in holiday camps or events.

Mentoring

All Young Leaders will be assigned a Mentor. Mentors will support Young Leaders in their development as young coaches, will be responsible for their progress, and the assessment of their Objectives. Mentors must act as positive role models for Young Leaders; reinforcing high coaching standards, and taking an active interest in their targets.

Mentors will encourage Young Leaders to complete their Objectives, offer plenty of opportunities to lead [sections of] the sessions, and/or lead small groups. Mentors will also consistently reinforce key coaching principles such as safety awareness, ratios, behaviour management and accelerating progress.

Progress Card and Logbook

Each young leader will receive a progress card and a logbook. The progress card is used by the mentor to record certain coaching skills that the young leader has worked on; this will show their progress and dedication to the programme. The logbook has a range of objectives that can be completed to help young leaders practice skills that they have been working on in the gym or yet to work on, for example health & safety, considering differentiation and planning. These will gradually promote coaching competence and progressively add more responsibility for the young leaders.