A NEW programme has been launched by Monmouthshire County Council, aimed at developing the next generation of sports leaders from an early age.

Sport 4 Life Leaders will provide a variety of training opportunities for youngsters aged 10 to 13 and pave the way to signing up for national sports qualifications.

The launch, organised by the council's Sport Development staff, took place at Monmouth Leisure Centre and featured ten young people who were introduced to various skills.

Sport 4 Life Leaders courses will be available at all four Monmouthshire leisure centres during school holidays and will give young people the opportunity to become more confident, as well as develop their abilities to lead, organise, communicate and plan.  Each course will run for three hours at a cost of £3.10 per person.

Monmouthshire's cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, Councillor Bob Greenland said: "Sport 4 Life Leaders courses are the first step to attaining the highest standards in coaching and training.

"After developing essential skills, young people can progress towards qualifications leading to officiating in sport, studying sports technology and getting the best out of athletes through coaching".

As well as Sport 4 Life Leaders, Monmouthshire's Sport Development Team has a number of courses and volunteering opportunities available for ages 14 and above incorporated within the 'Sport 4 Life+' programme.

Contact Sport Development Officer Paul Sullivan for further information at [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone 07825 853882.