Sport coaching highlights the fun in FUNdamental

BSc (hons) Sport Coaching students from Robert Gordon University (RGU) recently worked with around 3,000 pupils from various Aberdeen primary schools as part of a FUNdamental Activity Day in collaboration with Sport Aberdeen.

Stage 3 and 4 students worked in collaboration with 18 primary schools in November to increase engagement in physical activity, enhance fundamental movement skills, and promote health and wellbeing through playing an array of fun games and activities.

Stage 4 students and class representatives Isla Ramsay and Bradley McCallister said: “This was an incredible opportunity to go into the primary schools in Aberdeen to deliver sessions based on fundamental movements. These skills are essential to developing confidence in their movement and within themselves.

“We thoroughly enjoyed teaching the pupils about different movement patterns and delivering this in a fun and engaging session which kept everyone involved. This is hopefully an opportunity that can be continued and improved to both the schools of Aberdeen and the sport students at RGU in the following years”.

Lecturer Dr Andy Hall said the events, which occurred simultaneously within different primary schools, had been a positive experience for students, pupils and primary schools.

He said: “The opportunity for students to work collaboratively across year groups and with external partnerships such as Sport Aberdeen is an excellent development experience, allowing them to implement academic theory within practical settings, while showcasing their high-level coaching skills.

“The chance to support the community within Aberdeen, promote physical activity opportunities, and develop fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, catching and throwing for primary school pupils through innovative fun activities is an excellent opportunity for all involved.

“These opportunities are not possible without the continued engagement from effective partnerships such as those with Sport Aberdeen and is something we are all looking to continue to grow in the future. This event has built on work from previous years, demonstrating the need and success of these events for the local community within Aberdeen”.

Sarah Fraser, Lead Active Schools Coordinator at Sport Aberdeen, said: “Following the success of last year’s FUNdamental activity day, we were delighted to work in partnership with RGU to deliver this event again.

“The student’s professionalism and coaching knowledge ensured that young people from our primary schools got the opportunity to experience a fun and engaging day of activities.  We look forward to expanding the offer next year following positive feedback from the primary schools involved.”

RGU continue to work with the local community through partnership agreements, placements and student experience opportunities, aligning with strategic aims around supporting the student experience and developing collaborative partnerships.

The FUNdamental Activity Day was held in schools across Aberdeen on Tuesday 05 November 2024.