YOUNGSTERS in Comet country have the chance to lead the way nationally in training as wheely good teachers. THE country s first-ever accredited course of its kind, to qualify young people as skateboarding coaches, kicks into action in Letchworth GC after

YOUNGSTERS in Comet country have the chance to lead the way nationally in training as wheely good teachers.

THE country's first-ever accredited course of its kind, to qualify young people as skateboarding coaches, kicks into action in Letchworth GC after Easter.

Organisers are looking for 10 talented young people, aged from 15 upwards, to attend practical and theoretical sessions to qualify them as mentors to guide other skateboarding enthusiasts.

They will not only learn techniques but also health and safety, skateboarding in the community and coaching and communications skills.

The course, accredited by the North Anglia Open College Network, is being run by North Herts District Council in partnership with North Hertfordshire College and Herts County Council's Youth Service.

Theoretical sessions will be at the college's Goldsmith Centre and practical tuition will take place at the new skateboard park on Norton Common, both in the garden city.

Among the issues tackled will be coping with challenging behaviour and conflict, how to communicate, dealing with an accident, identifying potential hazards, the importance of wearing protective clothing, assessing young people's abilities and running an effective skateboarding session.

The course will also look at healthy eating, good sportsmanship, first aid and maintaining equipment. Students, who must be experienced skateboarders, will undergo continuous assessment over 12 weeks.

The course starts in May and there will be an information evening at Goldsmith Centre on Monday, April 24 at 6pm.

If you are a keen skateboarder aged 15 or over, live in the Letchworth GC area and would like to know more, contact NHDC's community development officer Andy Graham on 01462 474225 for more details.

Andy said: "This is a great opportunity for young people to help shape an exciting new course that we hope will be adopted across the county and even become a nationwide flagship.

"Skateboarding is not a passing fad, it is a popular sport and leisure activity. We need to show commitment to our young people and give them the resources they need to make the most of their abilities and occupy their time constructively.

"This course is in line with our council's strategy of promoting first class leisure and cultural facilities to contribute to healthy living."

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www.north-herts.gov.uk