My third day of work experience brought even more opportunities that I had not experienced before. Myself and my mentor Fraser visited four Primary Schools within the Smithycroft learning community in the East End of Glasgow. I found this very useful and a chance to network and build more contacts.

Firstly, we discussed the clubs that would be running in the schools after the October Week which prompted the recording of the type of equipment and amount needed for each school. This allowed me to work on my inventory skills as well as my organisational skills. We dropped off the new equipment at the school whilst also tidying and organising the sports equipment cupboards. This was a great opportunity for me as I was able to meet some of the staff in each of the schools and continue to build working relationships with them. Although it was the October week, the staff were still in the school, which made me realise how much work and commitment they put into ensuring all aspects of the educational establishment is organised and ready for pupils returning.

Fraser informed me about how each school has their own budget for the year and how it must be used efficiently. I learned that because the schools are in the east end of Glasgow – an area of high socio-economic deprivation – that funding for sports related activities is fundamental but limited. This made me realise as a young person who grew up in a disadvantaged area, that more opportunities need to continue to be offered to these young people to get them as active as possible.

My third day of work experience taught me more about the roles of an Active Schools Coordinator. It made me realise that Sports Development is more than just organising clubs for young people to attend and that there is also logistical and administrative work the coordinators undertake that people aren’t aware of.

-Stephanie