Loughborough University trains young researchers for Prince’s Trust 2012 legacy programme
Posted: Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:42
Loughborough University's Institute of Youth Sport (IYS) is working with The Prince's Trust to help train Young Ambassador researchers as part of its Olympic legacy programme Opportunity 'Inspired by London 2012'.
Nine Young Ambassadors from across the UK have participated in research training days delivered by Loughborough University. These training days have been designed to equip them with the skills to investigate the success of The Prince's Trust Opportunity 'Inspired by London 2012' scheme, and to inform future delivery of the charity's sports-based and other engagement programmes.
The scheme is part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Social Legacy programme and aims to ensure that marginalised young people across the UK connect with Games.
The latest training day was facilitated by Loughborough's Dr Rebecca Duncombe and was themed on research methods. This gave the Young Ambassadors, all in their early-20s, the opportunity to experience research from both the researcher's and interviewee's perspective.
Linking in with the sporting theme, the Young Ambassadors also got a chance to test their skills at wheelchair basketball with the Leicester Cobras and meet with Paralympic swimmer Fiona Neale who gave a presentation on life as a Paralympic athlete and the challenges she has overcome.
Dr Carolynne Mason, Senior Research Associate at the IYS, part of the University's School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, explained:
"Supporting the Young Ambassadors to become young researchers is an exciting process for the Institute of Youth Sport, and we have been incredibly impressed with the Young Ambassadors who have volunteered to take part.
"This is the second time we have worked with The Prince's Trust. Both organisations seek to ensure young people benefit from experiences to enhance their well-being and future success."
The Young Ambassadors will now be supported in conducting their research with young people from the Opportunity 'Inspired by London 2012' projects and will be given the opportunity to attend two further training days later in the year, which will address data analysis and research presentation.