The Western Education and Library Board (WELB) in partnership with Sligo VEC, through Youth Sport West, recently organised a Cross Border Coaches seminar.

One hundred Youth Sport West coaches from Fermanagh, Tyrone and Sligo attended the seminar which was held at the Lakeland Forum. The seminar aimed to train, up-skill and provide new exciting ideas which could be introduced into our primary schools and clubs.

The seminar focused on enhancing coaches' knowledge and providing various scenarios which they may encounter. One of the guest speakers, Michael McGeehin, Director of Coaching Ireland, discussed the importance of regularly training coaches and highlighting new strategies which will be delivered over the coming years.

Roisin Henry, Disability Northern Ireland also spoke about providing ways to adapt games in order to cater for all ability levels and make games fully inclusive. Robin Gregg, Talent Identification Officer for Sport NI then delivered a multi-skill session which included games focusing on improving agility, balance, co-ordination, striking, throwing and catching. He also provided various fun and enjoyable ways of delivering multi-skill through coaching sessions within schools.

Finally, Ronnie Smyth, Director and founder said Youth Sport West has continued to grow from strength to strength.

Meanwhile, Ryan Cunningham, WELB Sports Development Officer said the coaches' seminar provided a perfect opportunity to demonstrate new techniques and ways of adapting games to suit each situation and ability level.

"The project aims to provide every child with excellent opportunities no matter what ability they have. Those present at the seminar illustrated that coaches are willing to learn and are consistently looking to improve. This will, in turn, have a positive affect on the children who are receiving the coaching.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support on the programme and for their attendance at the seminar."