TWELVE Young Leaders from across Fife have returned from coaching abroad at a placement in Sweden and three of them came from Cowdenbeath.

In its fourth year, this is a unique partnership between Active Schools Fife, AM Sports Tours and Community Sports Clubs in Stockholm Sweden.

The pupils, from eight schools, experienced foreign culture and coaching during their week-long week stay at the internationally renowned Boson Sports Centre.

Beath's Alice Fox and Rhona Wilson’s placement was at AIK Malarhojden Tennis Club, where they were able to observe/analyse performance tennis players train and the coaching they received.

They also took responsibility for numerous other club duties and were able to put their own coaching skills to the test with some of the junior players at the club.

Third BHS pupil, Maia Beeson’s placement was through Lidingo Swimming Club where she was again able to observe the swim coaches teaching the athletes and then able to take the lead herself by taking sessions throughout the week.

Accompanied by Active Schools Co-ordinators Ronan Capon (Beath High School) and Tegan Kazeze (Queen Anne HS), pupils delivered sports in several local clubs.

Pam Colburn, Fife Council’s Active Schools Manager, was pleased that the partnership project was able to provide the students with a fully funded and unique opportunity. She said: “This was a fantastic chance for Young Leaders from Fife to visit another country, experience foreign culture and push themselves outside of their comfort zone.

“We’re sure that our Young Leaders have gained knowledge which they can use back home as part of our Young Leadership Pathway.”

In Sweden, the Young Leaders had the opportunity to coach in rugby, swimming and tennis. They also watched Hammarby v Kalmar in the Swedish Football League and experience other cultural activities in Stockholm.

Tegan Kazeze, Active Schools added: “The impact of the experiences these Young Leaders have had, will have a lasting effect. They were able to rise to a variety of challenges throughout their coaching programmes and have grown in skill and confidence.”

The Young Leadership Pathway has developed within the Fife Active Schools programme to create unique opportunities for pupils to enhance their skills.

This pathway aims to provide leadership opportunities for pupils from P6-S6 in a variety of roles: decision maker, coach/deliverer, technical official, event/competition organiser and ambassador.

The Young Leaders who visited Sweden play a key role in the planning and delivery of Active Schools activity within Fife and in return gain training and experiences that support them to develop their knowledge and skills in communication, public speaking and project management. It is designed to develop Young Leaders who can inspire and motivate others to take part in sport and physical activity.