THE Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Sports and Play Development team have been working hard to organise and promote a range of sports coaching and fitness-related courses and workshops for residents.

Courses and workshops consist of council-run events and other organisations including the National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Starting on January 19, will be the free course - club engagement with community - from 6pm to 9pm in the Civic Offices, Barry. This will aim to assist clubs in strengthening their relationship with the community, attracting additional participants and overcoming the barriers that hinder the club's engagement with the community.

On February 9, will be the free ensuring club sustainability course from 6pm to 9pm in the Civic Offices, Barry. This course considers the long-term sustainability of a sports club, not only focusing on finance and income streams, but also the people and places, aiming to ensure the sustainability of the club’s workforce and facility access.

On February 21, will be the free course coaching children (aged 5-12) from 6pm to 9pm in the Civic Offices, Barry. This is an opportunity for you to reconsider the emphasis of your coaching, and enhance the experience of your young participants in the process. Coaches will be introduced to the 'C' system of coaching children, which will improve their soft and personal skills, helping them to become a more effective coach.

A first aid course will begin on March 5 at FAST First Aid Supplies, Barry, running from 9.30am to 3.30pm and costs £25. The focus of this training course is providing the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to enable the participant to provide effective first aid. The course aims to achieve this by making the training informative, practical, appropriate and fun. Questions and participation are encouraged throughout the course.

A safeguarding and protecting children course will be held in the Civic Offices, Barry from 6pm to 9pm on March 16. This workshop, which costs £25, will raise your awareness of the tell-tale signs of abuse and poor practice, and give you the tools you need to deal with any issues sensitively, appropriately and effectively should the need ever arise in your coaching career.

The final free course, with location details yet to be confirmed, will focus on how to coach the fundamentals of movement. As well as providing you with a thorough grounding in fundamental movement skills, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to incorporate key elements into every one of your sessions - irrespective of the age group you coach.

In order to secure a space, a completed booking form must be received, accompanied by the full payment.

To book onto a course and request an application form please contact Steffan Williams on 07702 479672, or email slwilliams@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Payment must be made by either cash or cheque, made payable to the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Unfortunately, there is no facility to take payments via credit/debit card.