from AAI website During October three very successful Mc Donald’s Leader in Athletics coach education courses took place in Donegal Town, Carrick on Shannon and at the Antrim Forum. Fifty eight enthusiastic athletics volunteers attended the three venues. Members from North Sligo AC, Sliabh Liagh, Rosses, Lifford and Tír Chonaill Athletics clubs gathered at the Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town on Saturday 11th October for the first North West Coach Education course of the autumn period.
The McDonalds/Athletics Ireland Little Athletics Leader day long or two evenings course consisted of theory, practical demonstrations, planning and health and safety with the participants taking part in all aspects. The new coaches expressed delight with the exciting Little Athletics programme which seeks to develop athleticism in young children by introducing them to fun activities designed to develop Agility, Balance and Co-ordination.
Concluding the day Athletics Ireland Regional Development Officer Eamon Harvey congratulated and thanked all the participants for completing the course, tutor David Doherty for his professional and fun filled delivery and outlined the new Mc Donald’s Little Athletics initiative being rolled out to support club coaching programmes.
Carrick on Shannon, on Friday and Wednesday evenings the 17th and 22nd October had coaches/volunteers from Nth Leitrim, Ballinamore, Carrick on Shannon, Nth. Sligo, Nth Roscommon and Longford clubs represented. At the conclusion of the course Mrs Patricia Britton, Leitrim Co Board and Connaught Council, complimented all the coaches for their enthusiastic involvement, Mary O’Donnell from the local club for her support and RDO’s Paul McNamara and Eamon Harvey for delivering the course
On Friday evening 24th and Saturday morning 25th October, the Antrim Forum was the venue for yet another group of enthusiastic coaches from the Ballymena and Antrim club to experience the variety, fun, and athlete friendly activities of the McDonalds Leader programme. On behalf of the hosting club Maeve Kyle, praised the content and delivery of the course and thanked Tutors David Doherty and Eamon Harvey.