Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme for West Mayo

Are you unemployed/working part time/ previously self employed? Do you want a coaching qualification in GAA, Rugby and Soccer so that you can work as a Coach?

Mayo Sports Partnership in association with the Irish Sports Council, Dormant Accounts Board, Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company, Mayo County Council, Mayo Mental Health Association, Connacht Rugby (IRFU), FAI and Mayo GAA will deliver "Goal to Work" Sports Coach Training Programme in Westport over the coming weeks.

Goal to Work is an exciting initiative originally piloted in Mayo in 2010 by Mayo County Development Board. The first programme in Castlebar trained 12 jobseekers to become fully qualified soccer coaches and referees with many of those gaining part time employment as a result. Goal to Work Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Erris and Goal to Work Swinford built on the successful pilot initiative giving participants the opportunity to train at foundation level in Soccer, GAA and Rugby. Each trainee coach delivered coaching in local primary schools in Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Erris and Swinford with the support of FAI County Development Officer Paul Byrne, Mayo GAA Games Manager Billy McNicholas and Domestic Games Manager Connaught IRFU Lyndon Jones .

This Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme will include a classroom based learning component including a FETAC accredited module in Occupational First Aid. It will also deliver accredited training in Child Protection in Sport, Irish Sports Council Active Leadership and Disability Awareness. In addition to these accredited modules the programme will also provide information through specialist guest speakers on how to set up and manage your own business, enterprise opportunities, job readiness skills, personal development, building self esteem and self confidence, identification of personal progression options in employment, further education and training.

Mayo Sports Partnership and Mayo North East would like to invite applications from unemployed people or people who may be working part time. Also from anyone previously self employed who will commit to attending this Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme for three days a week over ten weeks. Each participant will become a qualified GAA, Soccer, Rugby coach with other add on sports such as Little Athletics. The programme will commence in mid September and is open to currently un/underemployed men and women who can see the potential in becoming a part time / full time coach in these sports or in developing their own business.

According to Siobhán Carroll - Webb of Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company the focus of "Goal to Work" Sport Coach Training Programme will be to provide them with an option of setting up a business on a self-employed basis at the end of the coaching period, gaining employment or progressing onto further education or training. In 2013 the "Goal to Work" training programme won an Aontas STAR award which recognises excellence in adult education.

Mayo Sports Partnership Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert added, " We are delighted once again to be involved in this worthwhile initiative which will progress participants on the road to future employment or training". Another added benefit, according to Charlie will be the availability of an increased database of coaches to work with schools, clubs, community centres and youth groups across a number of sports.

"Goal to Work" Sport Coach Training Prorgramme is supported by the Dormant Accounts Board and is an equal opportunities training programme.

Places will be limited to 12 trainee coaches. If you would like further information or an application form please contact Siobhán Carroll-Webb, Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co, Email info@mayonortheast.com or call 094-9256745 for details.

Application forms can also be downloaded at www.mayonortheast.com or www.mayosports.ie/news

Completed application forms should be posted or e-mailed to Siobhán Carroll-Webb as above.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is strictly 1pm on Thursday 3rd September 2015