Gryphons into Schools

Gryphons into Schools

Overview of the role

Our Gryphons into Schools programme aims to do good stuff and bring students and young people in Leeds together through sport. Delivering sport in local  schools is a great way for sporty students to inspire others and give something back. You could be delivering a lunchtime or afterschool sports session or supporting a teacher or qualified coach during curriculum time PE.

This is an ideal role for students considering a career in teaching to gain some experience in an educational environment. Spending time in schools is fun and rewarding and you will be helping children in Leeds to live more active lives as well as broadening your own horizons and developing new skills. Change lives (not just theirs, yours too!).

We currently have placements available in the following schools, click on each one to find out more information.

• The Gorse Academies Trust (Secondary)
• Carr Manor Community School (Secondary)

Duties & responsibilities

• Commit to support the delivery of a minimum of one schools project in a selected location. Training will take place across semester 1 & 2 parallel to your deployment. Volunteers will be expected to commit to weekly sessions at their school during term time for the duration of the academic year
• Contribute to the development and sustainability of schools sport in Leeds
• Represent the University & Leeds Sport in a positive manner
• Record participation details from all sessions delivered on our online system
• Provide regular feedback from your coaching sessions
• Maintain open lines of communication with the Leeds Sport team
• Provide a fun, friendly & welcoming atmosphere at your sessions
• Attend all training required for your project in line with the Leeds Sport minimum deployment guidelines for schools delivery

Skills & experience required

• You do not need prior coaching experience or qualifications as full training will be provided however prior experience of coaching or supporting activity in a school or community setting is desirable
• A passion for developing sport and getting young people active
• Excellent people skills and a commitment to running sessions which are inclusive of all abilities
• Be willing and able to engage with the programme in its entirety including induction, ongoing training and mentoring meetings
• Weekly commitment to volunteering for the duration of the academic year (term time only)
• Enthusiasm & energy
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Good communication skills
• Reliable & Trustworthy
• Flexible & Adaptable

Skills developed

Communication, Team Working, Leadership, Flexibility, Planning & Organisation, Independent working, Time management.

Training & support

We want you to have the very best volunteering experience with us; therefore we take care to ensure you get the training and support you need to carry out your role including:

• An initial induction to the organisation and the role
• Safeguarding training
• First Aid training
• Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Sport & Physical Activity course (if you do not have a pre-existing sports coaching qualification.
• Regular mentoring, observations and feedback with the Leeds Sport team

Any further training and support needs will be discussed with the Sports Volunteering Officer, who will be your main point of contact.

Reward & recognition

The time and skills that you provide are invaluable and we make every effort to ensure you feel appreciated in your role. Leeds Sport is invested in retaining volunteers and ensuring their volunteering is a supportive, high quality experience working to the common aims of growing community sports participation and developing students skills. All Gryphons into Schools volunteers will be eligible for the following:

• A uniform in the form of a Leeds Sport leadership t-shirt to wear during their sessions
• Access to all training & equipment required to complete the role (including certified Level 2, First Aid & Safeguarding courses as well as a fully funded DBS check).
• Volunteer of the month awards
• References from our staff team

Commitment

Ideally you will be able to commit to all of the training for the role (outlined below) and 2-3 hours per week during term time, consisting of a minimum of one hour’s delivery, travel to and from schools sessions and administration time.  If you are likely to find this commitment difficult, please speak to the Sports Volunteering Officer who will be able to discuss this in more detail.

First Aid Training – Semester 1 – Monday 6th November 2023 6pm-9pm (on campus)

Safeguarding Training – Semester 1 – Tuesday 7th November 2023 5pm-8pm (online)

Level 2 Sport Coaching Qualification (if you do not have a pre-existing sport qualification) – Semester 2 – Date TBC

You will be required to attend any training relevant to your role in line with the Leeds Sport minimum deployment guidelines for volunteers.

Further information

• Gryphons into Schools volunteers are responsible to Lauren Havercroft, Sports Volunteering Officer in the Leeds Sport Team and the named contact at their placement school
• This role will require a DBS check & 2 x references

How to Apply

• Online applications for the 2023-24 academic year are now OPEN. Applications will close on Tuesday 31st October 2023.
• Please select which school you are interested in applying for from the drop down box.
• Following your online application you may be invited for an informal meeting or group briefing with the Sports Volunteering Officer to discuss the role