Foyle PTFA Sports-Works

Aim

To re-engage and motivate our Foyle students through sports and recreational options in an effort to optimize health and emotional wellbeing

Foyle PTFA Sports-Works

Who are we? 

The Parent Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) Foyle College is a constituted group of parents, teachers and friends recognised as the affiliated governing body for the project. We are an extremely motivated group of people who see the importance of supporting extracurricular sports and we understand the value of all recreational activities for personal health and emotional well-being. We are in the North West and are dynamic passionate fundraisers. This project will offer a safe and friendly space with coaching which is participant centred. We focus on fun, taking part and developing new skills.

Foyle PTFA

 The Project is called Foyle PTFA Sports-Works and combines several health and well-being sports initiatives. The project will have a range of recreational activities and be open to young people. It is a multifaceted omnigender project, offering a range of optional physical & emotional well-being sessions, i.e., Yoga, Pilates, Strengthening and Conditioning, Physiotherapy, plus the delivery of a one-off hockey “Chance to Shine” academy, “Fair Play Cricket” academy, Tennis Cardio, All-Star Netball, and Rowing.

Community Impact It is hoped that the introduction of these initiatives will encourage and cut across the cultural, social and gender divide. We are hoping it will reach all our Foylefamily, and ethnic communities within the age group and cater for those with disabilities, offering specially adapted games for those with physical disabilities. We have excellent indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. 

The project timespan is sixteen weeks and is based on “motivational engagement,” with physical health and emotional well-being central to its objectives. Its aim is to increase participation opportunities across a range of recreational and well-being initiatives so that young people can enjoy being fit and healthy, and having fun as they do so! The PTFA strongly consider that physical activity is central to happy and healthy lives, and positive experiences for all. It is envisaged that this project will help to rebuild the foundations for an active life post covid.

Through your support, the main benefits of the sixteen-week project will be: -

• Meeting new friends, building social networks and life skills.
• Being more active and increased motivation.
• Improved physical health and fitness for participants.
• Improved emotional health and well-being for participants.
• A reduction in new sports injuries and recovery of old injuries.
• Build self-confidence and self-esteem.
• To purchase new equipment which will enhance sport, pay for specialist coaching and trainers to deliver the programmes.

As detailed above this project has been designed following direct engagement with pupils, it has been shaped by young people’s views and feedback. In further preparation for this programme, we have already engaged relevant coaches who have presented the potential plans and options to our young people within the project. 

As a school and PTFA organisation we have been supporting the National “Boat of Hope Campaign” partnered in joint fund-raising efforts city-wide for Samaritans of Derry, this work continues in relation to young people’s joint initiatives in mental health. This initiative saw networks being established across 20 other local schools in a city-wide approach to fundraising. A positive example of partnerships at their best, raising £4,400 for local services in Samaritans. Samaritans have agreed to be involved in the initiative. 

It is also our intention to engage with a local special school, including its pupils in programmes which best meet their needs and provide opportunities for integration. 

Other organisations use our facilities, and it is hoped that they would join in this inclusive, multisectoral approach building on established partnerships.

Why are we crowdfunding? 

 Within the organisation, partner sporting organisations and faculties we have recorded huge problems since covid 19, we have found that the restrictions led to reduced levels of physical activity, increased screen usage, and declines in mental health in our youth, especially those who had less parental support. Fundraising came to a standstill and economic burdens due to the furlough scheme.

 We have recorded fewer young people returning to sporting activities, especially team sports, with lower levels of physical fitness, emotional well-being, motivation, and general social capability. We have seen a decline in social connection, albeit anecdotally. These trends are recognised, mainly influenced by the prolonged stay-at-home restrictions and of course our weather. 

 We have also recorded that those young people who have returned to sports such as team rugby, hockey, and athletics have lower levels of fitness, reduced skillsets and are more susceptible to injury. A recent example is evidenced by injuries sustained at district athletics, due to lack of fitness. 

 Access to resources has been very difficult, the changes to routines, online classes, and family support during covid have all influenced the levels of engagement and the loss of many young people to physical activity, all circumstances of covid.  

 We are hoping this project will provide the hub for opportunities for the restoration of social connections and physical and emotional well-being which has been so badly impacted by the post-pandemic. 

The PTFA see this as a fantastic opportunity to add value in terms of additional trainers and support staff for all areas of extracurricular sport and well-being. It is also an opportunity to buy much-needed equipment to support recreation i.e., bowling machine, tripod video and kits etc. 

Funding is not available presently to run the sessions of physiotherapy and coaching for strengthening and conditioning. These have been identified as critical areas which would help so many young people, particularly those who have sustained injuries and lack fitness. 

We realised post covid the changes that had evolved i.e., fewer young people returned to sporting activities and those that did have lower levels of physical fitness, emotional well-being, and motivation.  We have also seen a decline in social connection, albeit anecdotally.                                                                              

As a PTFA we want to support this and require the funding to do so. The key to this project will be building partnerships and providing fun recreational activities engaging young people across all sectors. We have the organisation skill and expertise to deliver!

4. How the money will be spent.

The money raised will pay for several initiatives and equipment that will support the project. Our onsite facilities will be used allowing no additional expense needed for utilities. The funding will expand the number of sessions but also help to support the redesign of initiatives meeting the needs of those young people who do not generally take regular exercise or play sports. The key will be bringing new people to sport. It will also allow us to resource the sports properly and provide equipment ie the tripod video camera to enhance the activities. We intend to update supporters in a transparent manner so that they can see how and when we are spending the money. This will strengthen our case for long-term sustainability. We want these programmes running long term. 

Initiatives within the project:-

• Rugby physio pre-booked sessions.
•  Rugby strengthening and conditioning coaches/sessions.
•  Trainer for “Fair Play Cricket” Academies. 
•  Trainer for Chance to Shine” Hockey Academies. 
•  Coaching for Cardio Tennis. 
•  Trainer for All-Star Netball”. 
• Yoga, Bounce, Rowing tasters and Pilates instructors.        
• Equipment: - Titan video camera and tripod. Bowling machine.  Kit.      

5. How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target and make this project a reality. 

1. Make a pledge. Don't delay if you are going to support us because momentum is the key to our success!

2. Spread the word and share our project on social media pages.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters.

4. If you want to run your own project to support us, maybe a sponsored activity or similar, use the contact project button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes.

This project successfully funded on 28th June 2023