News | PODIUM YOUNG EVENT MANAGERS - SUNDERLAND UNIVERSITY
The event at Farringdon is the culmination of the Podium Young Event Manager programme.
Since October 2009, the youngsters have been attending a series of workshops run by SUNEE aimed at Event Management which have coincided with their involvement in a number of events.
Neil Mullen is the SUNEE Podium Scholar, and he has been presenting the workshops to the pupils. Ahead of the event, Neil said; “The workshops that have been delivered on the programme involve all aspects of organising an event from Marketing, Health & Safety issues, Finance, Risk Assessment, aswell as the logistics of the events themselves.”
“Over the course of the programme the kids have become more involved and more hands on with each event.”
The first event was a local table tennis tournament where the children officiated the whole event. The second event was a U-15 Regional Volleyball Tournament where the children progressed to booking facilities, organising the fixtures, and also delegating tasks to volunteers.
Neil said; “This event today is 100% their event, they have complete ownership. The children have come up with their own ideas and we have just given them advice.”
Andy Roberts is a teacher at Farringdon Sports Colleges and he says the development of the children on the Podium programme, which runs alongside the Farringdon Young Apprentice Scheme, is invaluable.
Mr Roberts said: “Throughout the different events that the children have been involved in they have been awarded genuine qualifications. They received coaching awards and refereeing awards and today is part of an NVQ Level 1 in Learning Activity and Events.”
“They have gained a wealth of experience and a real array of different skills. There is always a job that fits each person and that is why their meticulous planning of this event has come to fruition.”
“The first event was more closed but they have planned this event today from start to finish. As they have become more involved my confidence in them has grown and I am very proud of what they have achieved.”
Andy said; “The support from SUNEE staff through the workshops has been brilliant. They have specific knowledge and have been able to impart that to the kids at the right level through the workshops.”
The Young Managers decided on a Multi Sports themed event and invited 70 school children aged between 7-9 from East Herrington and New Silksworth Junior Schools.
Throughout the event the schoolchildren received coaching and participation in football, tennis, cricket and athletics. Each session was planned, prepared, and organised by the Podium Young Event Managers.
Miss Sophie Wild of
Danielle Whiting, a teacher at New Silksworth said of the event; “My kids have absolutely loved it.”
“The organisers have built up a really good rapport with them and they have been able to relate to children much younger than them.”
“The activities have been differentiated so that all the kids can take part and everyone involved has been enthusiastic and motivated and this has rubbed off on my kids.”
“I’m sure it has been a challenge for them but they have all done very well.”
At the end of a successful event, a relieved Aaron Duncan, 15, said; “I’ve really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the coaching part and it feels good to think that I have taught somebody something new.”
“Today has gone really well and it’s been a really good experience.”
Andy Hubbard, 15, said; “I have learned a lot on the programme. All the events I have been involved in have been excellent and I feel more confident in myself and my leadership skills than when I first started.”
“I feel this style of programme is much better than normal school. It’s more practical and I think that benefits us.”
“Today has been a real team effort from everyone involved and it looks like it went well.”
Despite a few drops of rain in the afternoon, the event ran perfectly and the 70 primary school children went home happy.
After such an important day for those involved on the programme, the Podium Young Event Managers can be proud of their hard work.
Article written by David Peddie, SUNEE Journalism scholar at Sunderland university
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