THE Vale of Glamorgan Council will soon be kicking off its new Confident Coaches Programme aimed at increasing participation in sports among young people and adults and recognising their work through an accredited qualification.

Councillor Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Visible and Leisure Services said: “The courses run by council offer an excellent opportunity for people to learn and develop coaching skills in areas as diverse as coaching disabled people in sport to learning about the fundamentals of movement and first aid.

"These very different courses are about building confidence, developing leadership skills and inspiring participants to increase their participation in sport and who knows, to realise a career that had hitherto seemed aspirational rather than attainable."

He added: "People who know me will know my passion for sport and so this initiative is one that’s very close to my heart. We all have talents in life but sometimes we need encouragement and guidance to realise those talents.”

The Confident Coaches Programme will take place at the Civic Offices in Barry in September, October and November with the venue for the Fundamentals of Movement to be confirmed.

Those wishing to book a place on one of the courses should contact the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Sports Development team on 01446 704793 or by email to kjdavies@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.

Spaces are limited so book early.