Project Description
The Sporting Chance Project
Viewforth High School, in collaboration with Raith Rovers Community Foundation, initiated the Sporting Chance Project, engaging 20 S1 and S2 young people. The project aims to connect with young individuals through a football-based program, inspiring young people to reach their potential and provide support in mental health, life skills, and health and wellbeing.
Project Background
The Sporting Chance Project is a 10-week initiative with two sessions per week designed to empower young people through a combination of workshops and football training sessions delivered by community coaches. Key individuals involved from Raith Rovers Community Foundation include Cameron Evans (Community Coach) and JJ Henderson (Foundation General Manager). Some of the sessions included team building tasks, developing knowledge of roles in football, diet and nutrition, sports science, sports analysis development, social media workshops, writing match reports. This work is then combined with practical work on the pitch including sessions based on sports science testing, defending, passing, on-pitch analysis and a graduation ceremony. Additionally, the young people will have the unique opportunity to meet some of the first team players for a Q&A session, providing an insightful and inspirational experience.
Parents, Carers and our young people were invited down to Stark’s Park for an Introduction to the Sporting Chance Project. Cammy Evans, Community Coach delivered the session and spoke about our aims, objectives and outcomes for the project. The group were then given the opportunity to see behind the scenes with a stadium tour and then signed player contracts for the project.
Project Aims
1.Stay active and engaged
2.Improve focus and self-control
3.Learn healthy habits
4.Build confidence and teamwork
5.Develop new skills for life, learning and work.
Objectives
1.For students to make the most of every session by staying active and giving it best efforts.
2.Encouraging students to think like a pro: Discovering how sports science helps them train smarter and play better.
3.Team player skills – Develop skills in communication, working as a team and supporting others.
The Outcomes 1.Students gained knowledge on nutrition and optimise their diet for sport and performance. 2.Improved attendance in school |
Feedback “I’m a lifelong fan of the club and this project has helped me to focus more in class and to cut down on my lateness to school. It’s been great to work with a real coach from the football club too, he has inspired me to be a football coach when I leave school”. Participating Viewforth Pupil Conclusion A positive outcome is the potential for the Sporting Chance Project to contribute not only to the participants’ physical well-being but also to their mental health and overall personal development. The unique blend of sports, education, and mentorship offered a holistic approach to supporting young people. The project also aligned with Raith Rovers Community Foundation’s mission to empower the community through innovative partnership working. The involvement of first-team players in the Q&A session added an extra layer of inspiration, showcasing positive role models and connecting the young participants to the broader world of professional sports. This initiative has the potential to create a lasting positive impact on the participants’ lives beyond the scope of the 10-week programme. |