Developing the skills to secure employment in the sports industry

By Mary Dennehy

THE first team of local graduates from Sportivate South Dublin recently graduated from the programme which offers young people the opportunity to break into the sports industry.

A partnership between South Dublin County Council and the Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board, Sportivate offers young people, between the ages of 18 and 25, the chance to break into the sports industry or to further their education opportunities – with participants undertaking a programme of education that develops their necessary practical skills.

The nationally recognised FETAC Level 4 award includes modules on health related fitness, communications, IT skills, soccer, GAA, orienteering, lifesaving, personal effectiveness and work experience.

According to the council, the skills learnt will be of value to the participants in helping to secureemployment as youth leaders or sports coaches in the leisure industry and the wider community. 

Congratulating the first batch ever of Sportivate graduates, Mayor Gus O’Connell said: “I measure success by the progress of our people and particularly our young people.

“By the sight of communities prospering and children thriving – and further education and training is central to this.

“It is a vital element in ensuring that everyone of working age, especially young people, have the opportunity to improve their skills – and they can use that opportunity to build better lives for themselves and their families.

“Sportivate has given these participants that opportunity.”

The programme, which is supported by the Department of Social Protection and Sport Ireland, was co-ordinated by Brid Corcoran and Máirín Uí Riain.