Shone Cumming and Stephanie Thomas kept score at the inaugral Gleneagles Cup last Friday, in which four Casey primary schools competed against each other.By Rebecca Fraser
STUDENTS from four Casey primary schools battled it out to win the inaugural Gleneagles Cup last Friday under the guidance of their student coaches.
As part of the Advance program students at the Gleneagles campus of Eumemmerring College have forged strong links with students from Thomas Mitchell, Mossgiel Park, Southern Cross and Hallam Primary School as part of a sports coaching project.
The coaching initiative involved students being trained and receiving accreditation for their O level coaching and umpiring.
Students were then responsible for coaching grade four students from local primary schools in netball, volleyball, soccer and basketball in terms three and four.
The Advance program is an initiative that promotes links between young people and the community.
The program provides opportunities for young people to work in partnership with community organisations on a project or a series of activities that contributes to building their community.
It also encourages communities to support and recognise the positive role that young people can play in the community.
On Friday, 300 grade four students and staff from the four schools came together to compete at Gleneagles giving the Year 9 Advance Program students the opportunity to umpire events throughout the day.
Advance program teacher Jenny Reidy said the program had been a great experience for students to improve their communication, organisation and leadership skills.
“They have been solely responsible for all aspects of the Gleneagles Cup such as organising transport, lunch, awards, tournament fixture, publicity and liaising with the Primary Schools.
“The students have had the opportunity to obtain an accredited certificate which enhances their personal skills,” she said.
