What We Do - Sports Development

As the Alway Sports and Activity Development Officer my aim is to improve access and develop more public interest in sport and physical activity within the Alway community. This is accomplished by organising sport and activity related projects, programmes, information and training for both the leisure user and offering the opportunity to non participants. The role involves working in partnership with a wide range of organisations to utilise local resources and build on any regional or national initiatives.

Current School Program and Activity Description

Basketball Skills - This Monday After School activity 3.10 - 4 offers the children from Years 5 and 6 the opportunity of participating in a basketball skills.  This activity allows children to develop their hand and eye coordination in a fun environment.

Lunch Time Kick About - Tuesday and Thursday from 12.50 until 13.30 I referee a structured football session in the school playing yard during the lunch time break.

Football- Wednesday After School Activity 3.10- 4  is a structured football skills session for Years 3 and 4. .

Community Program and Activity Description

Tots Soccer - This activity is run in partnership with the Parents and Toddler group running out of St Tilos Church. The session is opportunity to encourage the toddlers to kick and catch reaction balls to improve dexterity.

Fitness Gym - Last year a group of young people undertook a gym induction at Newport International Sports Village Gymnasium. The year the individuals are looking to participate in regular gym sessions.

Girls Sports - This activity has been a surprise success with approximately 16 girls from Alway and Moreland participating in this activity. Each session the girls decide which sport they would like to play and the Development officers spend  

Football age 10 - 14 A regular session on Thursday evening at Newport Centre which sees a structured training session for 20 mins which then leads into a structured game.

Football 15 -25 - This session is run out of the International Sports Village and encourages the difficult age group of 15 -25 to participate in a regular activity

Basketball - 10 - 16.   A new   Basketball sessions will be running out of Hartridge Comprehensive School on a Monday evening. This session is open for 10 -16 yrs old and will offer an activity to young people who dislike football or other ma

Planned Projects

Allotment Project - Alway Community Association has for a long period rented a number of local allotments.   This project intends to target individuals and groups of people who are interested in cultivating and supporting community programs.   This project also falls under the National Green Gym initiative.  

"The Green Gym Initiative is a new approach to creating healthier communities and a healthier environment. It offers people an alternative to the gym and sports centre, and the opportunity to improve their fitness and mental health by involvement in practical, conservation activities" (WAG 2006).

Tea Dance - This will be an afternoon activity which encourages the senior citizens to participate in a combination of different dance styles. Not only will it encourage low impact physical activity but will also have a positive influence on the individuals mental health improving their sense of well-being.

Cycling - The Welsh Assembly Government have introduced an Active Lifestyles Community Capitol Programme which focuses on developing mass participation opportunities through a Community Cycling Initiative. Alway Community Development Officer, Alway Sports Development Officer and the Newport Cycling Development Officer are working towards securing funds to purchase cycles and equipment to offer the Alway Community regular cycling activities.