GSC welcomes ASF Youth Development Coordinator

The Guernsey Sports Commission was delighted to welcome Alderney Sports Foundation Youth Development Coordinator Rich Hunt to Guernsey last week.

Rich leads the team of Youth Sport development coaches in our sister island.

We asked Rich to share with us the highlights of his time with us.

‘Great visit to the Guernsey Sports Commission (GSC) last week, on 21 and 22 April. My thanks to Jeremy and all of the team for hosting, and for arranging trips to Guernsey schools and sports clubs. An action-packed and informative programme that met all of the visit objectives, which focused on learning how the Guernsey community sports model can be applied in Alderney, and progressing a number of Guernsey - Alderney partnership objectives designed to help deliver the recently published Alderney Youth Sports Action Plan.

‘Alderney could not wish for a more positive and supportive partner than the GSC, with our shared belief in a cross-Bailiwick approach that includes all our children in plans and initiatives to increase participation in sport, and enable them to develop to their fullest potential. Guernsey has taken impressive strides in this regard, and the motivation and commitment of the GSC team are infectious and inspiring. Alderney's small demographic presents unique challenges but the GSC best practice of diversifying sports opportunities, reaching out to the community, coaching within schools, and insisting on high safeguarding and welfare standards, applies equally to any community, whatever the size.

‘I look forward to working closely with the GSC as an extended and northern member of the team. The next few months will see the ASF and GSC coordinate a number of initiatives to promote and support youth sports on Alderney. Our goal is to offer the widest range of sporting opportunities possible and enable clubs to operate at the requisite child protection standards with qualified coaches in place. We want all children in the Bailiwick to have access to the benefits that participation in sports provides, and assist those with potential to develop their prowess through performance pathways.

‘Fun for everyone at all levels of ability.’