How we will implement this
Strength (safe and effective completion of strength training)
Full body resistance exercises taught and undertaken, using specialised gym equipment designed for Children.
Free weight exercises with barbells, dumbbells, bands, balls and kettlebells.
The primary focus throughout any beginner training sessions is to ensure correct completion of each movement.
Flexibility
All types of stretching exercises are taught for each body part, along with breathing techniques, yoga and tai chi exercises.
Hand/eye co-ordination
Teaching free weight exercises, plus ball games and boxing style drills.
Stamina and speed
Bleep tests, hill runs and cardiovascular exercises such as rowing and treadmill work. Measurement of stamina is carried out using recovery tests to measure resting heart rate.
Speed
Numerous sprint drills are completed over varying distances. These include change of direction and lateral speed to cover all major sports.
Balance and the development of neural pathways / movement patterns
Bosu/fit-ball movements are included as well as functional movements to develop balance, awareness and control.
Nutrition and diet planning
Teaching the basic food groups, how to build up a successful diet plan. Key foods to include and exclude from the diet to ensure good health and maximize sporting performance. Homework assignments included.
Community Awareness
Regular visits and presentations from the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Brigade, NHS No Smoking and RSPCA. Mock incidents at each session, questioning and verbal tests on these topics at every session.
Positive mental attitude
Discussing and identifying role models and the traits them make them successful. Learning how to set personal goals, and why they are so important. Using positive language and understanding how each Lions behaviour and conduct can impact on those around them. Using positive self-talk and simple reframes to see opportunities and challenges in the correct way.
Strength
Definition: Improve the functional strength of the body whilst developing good movement patterns to ensure safety.
How will this be achieved?
Using free weights, body weight exercises, dyno bands, medicine balls and machines and completing movements at a safe level of intensity.
Speed
Definition: Train the body to move faster, both in straight line and change of direction.
How will this be achieved?
Using straight line and change of direction cone and ladder exercises, plus focusing on the specifics of sprinting and change of direction techniques.
Stamina and Endurance
Definition: Improve the ability of the body to perform a discipline for longer at a more intense level.
How will this be achieved?
Carrying out exercises that involve working at a high level of intensity for a long period such as the bleep test, outdoor track runs and step tests, plus teaching students about heart rate intensities for exercise.
Balance and Coordination
Definition: Develop balance to improve sports performance particularly where sports are played predominantly off one leg at a time. Develop the neural pathways in the body to allow all activities to be performed at a more precise and elite level.
How will this be achieved?
Using Bosu balls, wobble boards, fit-balls and other balance equipment, and by training students to perform one legged movements, rotational exercises and yoga/tai chi positions.
Flexibility
Definition: Improve the ability of the body to obtain positions that would otherwise be impossible. Allow free movement at all joints to prevent injury and maximize performance.
How will this be achieved?
Through safe exercises instructed correctly and included in every workout, as well as through educating students as to why stretching is important, its benefits and risks.
Nutritional Awareness
Definition: Educate students in not only WHAT to eat for health and performance, but also WHY this is so important to their futures. Create associations between their food choices and their energy, state of mind and physical appearance and performance.
How will this be achieved?
Students will be asked to provide information on particular foods and food groups and to design meal plans for case studies as homework. Workshops and presentations on this topic will also be included.
Personal Responsibility
Definition: Encourage and educate students in accepting responsibility for their actions and develop their belief in the power of choice, their choice.
How will this be achieved?
Throughout our program we will encourage the students to take responsibility for their actions, and to use language with them that promotes a feeling of control over what they do rather than placing blame or power on others.
First Aid
Definition: Educate and provide official documentation for students in how to cope with first aid emergencies that they may encounter.
How will this be achieved?
By issuing official St John’s Ambulance material to students, as well as discussing an incident at each session, asking a student to deal with it in a role play situation. Regular visits from Ambulance officers to give presentations, including CPR demos on dummies.
Contribution and Community Aware
Definition: Raise awareness of student’s ability to have a positive effect on their environment, community and friends and family by promoting the accomplishment of contribution goals.
How will this be achieved?
Sponsored events organized and run by students to teach them the value of giving to people and contributing to their community. Visits and lectures from Police, RSPCA, NHS Non-smoking advisors, professional athletes from this area and other successful people who can offer advice and be role models to students.
