Having more female coaches would have the dual benefit of empowering the coaches themselves, and providing female role models to girls who participate in sport

The first of a series of three coaching clinics as part of the COACHING EMPOWERS project, commenced on Thursday, September 20, with “Introducing the Fundamentals” clinic. US softball coach, Nicole Thomas, covered the fundamental softball skills necessary to play the game over two sessions at the Ghajnsielem Primary School. The youth softball players of the Ghajnsielem Redcoats attended these two sessions and were given an insight of how to teach the skills to the younger age groups.

Following a brief introduction at the start of each of the two sessions, the entire clinic was practical and hands on. The youth softball players were keen to learn, as many aspire to start coach eventually. The skills related to throwing, catching, fielding ground balls, fielding fly balls, hitting, bunting, and base running were all covered during the two intensive sessions.

Coaching Empowers continues this week with the second coaching clinic, Achieving More During Practice. Helena Novontá, the Coaches` Instructor at SK Joudrs Praha of the Czech Republic, will deliver this clinic with two seminars and a practical session. This clinic is not sport specific and it is expected to be well attended. The seminar will take place at the hall of the Ghajnsielem Primary School, whereas the practical session will take place at the playground of the same school. First session is on Thursday, September 27, starting at 5:30pm. The Minister for Gozo, Hon Dr Justyne Caruana, will make the opening address of the seminar on Thursday.

The aim of the project Coaching Empowers is to encourage more individuals, especially females, to volunteer as coaches. Having more female coaches would have the dual benefit of empowering the coaches themselves, and providing female role models to girls who participate in sport. By having more female coaches there is a greater possibility of increasing the rate of female participation in sport.

This initiative has been supported by the Ministry for Gozo Sport Organisations Assistance Scheme, a funding programme for Sport Organisations on the Island of Gozo.

This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Ministry for Gozo cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

 DAY 1

 

DAY 2