Bude CATS have just sent us the following Press Release after the success of their FIRST ever Urban Climber Sports Diversionary scheme.... Urban Climbers reach new heights thanks to Bude C.A.T.S Bude C.A.T.S – Community Action Through Sport, in conjunction with Budehaven Community School and Alan “Eggy” Alway have just completed its first ‘Urban Climber’ Sports Diversionary Scheme for 16 young people. Initially the students (who had been highlighted by teachers, heads of year and youth workers) were invited to attend a climbing wall session to see if a) they enjoyed climbing and would want to continue and b) to be observed by the coaches in regard to attitude should they wish to commit to the programme. This was delivered at the climbing wall in Budehaven Leisure The Ultimate Adventure Centre The programme commenced with 16 young people and was run over an 8 week period, which consisted of eight 2-hourly sessions on a Monday straight after school. The Urban Climber scheme was an immediate hit; it offered the young people the chance to learn a new, cool, sport and at the same time overcome personal challenges and barriers such as confidence, communication and self-esteem. Eggy who led the programme said, “I felt the programme went fantastically well with a good turn out every week and a noticeable progression not only with their rock climbing but also personal attitudes. Seeing their development in rock climbing, whilst enjoying a new sport and for some of them receiving positive praise was great. The coaches and I did face a couple of challenges of our own; one of the participants who was quite a character kept leaving the climbing room due to his temper of his own accord, resulting in the whole session being stopped due to me having to follow him. After a few sessions we worked together so when he did feel his temper rising he would come and work next to me until he felt calmer. Explaining to him that the whole group were being affected when he left the room he realised that he didn’t want to stop the whole session, so we found a solution in which he would work next to me when he felt frustrated. This program seemed to let him focus on a new sport and really develop his communication skills. Rather than argue and defend his actions he was in an environment where he could be praised and reassured for good work and positive communication.” A log book, designed by Eggy, was given to each young person to; monitor, record and evaluate the learning journey they were undertaking. Each young person will be able to keep their personal log book as a record of competence. Of the young people who took part Sarah said, “I was very scared of heights but now I am not because the instructors were so encouraging.” Josie, “Made new friends and was pleased I had more time to spend with them.” Jago liked, “Setting myself targets to beat the time I could climb up the wall” and Kieran felt that he had gained confidence and perseverance. Sharon Marshall from Budehaven who co-ordinated the programme said, “The students aged from 12 years really enjoyed the climbing sessions and developed a very good relationship with the instructors. It was great to see regular commitment from the young people who would otherwise not necessarily attend any out of school activity. I observed an increase in confidence in all students, new friendships were made and skills learnt. I hope the young people will continue with their climbing with the establishment of a new regular climbing club after school.” Thanks must go to Eggy and assistant coaches Lewis Wolfenden-Brown (Budehaven Btec student) and Chris Coates who were an inspiration to the young people, and CATS UK for obtaining the initial funding and offering support throughout the programme.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:02:27 +0000
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