INSTITUTE of LEISURE and AMENITY MANAGEMENT (ILAM)
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR & EXHIBITION
FRIDAY 8th JUNE 2001
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
by PAT DUFFY, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL COACHING & TRAINING CENTRE.
This presentation was an introduction to the new NCTC concept "Pathways." It went through the "Spring Boards" and "Barriers" of athlete performance. The presentation drew extensively from a carded athlete survey of over 200. The presentation showed the analysis of this data. In brief that Family and social support as well as personal motivation were the highest contributor to athlete success presently. It was also put forward that specialist advice and services were considered to be the areas in which we need to improve in order to facilitate the athlete's "pathway to success." The need to identify each stage of development and to give guidance to NGB, Athlete and Coaches. A draft "pyramid" pathway model was shown and the implications for facility providers discussed. An informative and interesting presentation aimed in part at the new Sports Development Officers and Facility Managers. I attended another presentation during the weekend that highlighted the aspects in regard to Athlete, Coach rather than NGB.

LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE
by HELEN RAFTERY, PROGRAMME MANAGER, IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL
This presentation was an explanation of this new scheme and a forum to discuss what had happened within the pilot scheme areas and how the scheme is to be expanded. The scheme is based around the principle of getting all the relevant local authorities within education, social services, corporations, VEC, FÁS, local sports bodies and NGBs and the role of the Sports Development Officer as co-ordinator. The aims of the Local Sports Partnership are many; Enhanced planning at local level, increased levels of participation, enhanced local coach deployment, club development, volunteer training, local directory of services, better use of existing facilities, clear priorities, school/club/community and NGB links and local sports events. The three main functions being INFORMATION, EDUCATION and IMPLEMENTATION. This was an excellent presentation and extremely relevant to any future club or schools development locally, regionally and nationally. The scheme at present is only within a pilot stage but it is very likely that it will be expanded in the near future.

THE OLDER POPULATION, PROGRAMMES & GOOD PRACTICE
by KATHY FULCHER
This seminar was done at the same time as the Local Sports Partnership presentation and I was unable to attend. I have a number of articles on the subject and I intend to read them when I get the opportunity.

SPORTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, THE NEED FOR A STRATEGY
by RONNIE SMYTH, NORTHERN IRELAND SPORTS COUNCIL
This seminar went through why there is a need for a strategy. The issues that need to be addressed including support for teachers, resources and improved partnerships. The aim of the project was "To build structures that remove the barriers that previously existed to a young persons participation in sport." An explanation of the way in which the structure had worked previously was contrasted with the structure of as new scheme focused at the primary school level. An explanation of the "TOPPS" scheme and its implementation and the role of a Schools Sports Co-ordinator were also discussed. The scheme has been run as a cross border project and a pilot scheme is in place in Dublin. I have a further contact that I am following up in order to get a sample pack of their TOPPS Table Tennis bag, suitable for pre-school and National School development. I also hope to attend a TOPPS training course later this year in Ulster.

THE LISBURN EXPERIENCE, PARTNERSHIP & PROGRAMMING FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT & FACILITY DEVELOPMENT & FACILITY UTILISATION
by DARREN McARDLE, ASSISTANT SPORTS OFFICER, LISBURN BOROUGH COUNCIL
This seminar was done at the same time as the Sports For Young People presentation and I was unable to attend. I have a number of articles on the subject and I intend to read them when I get the opportunity.

THE WAY FORWARD
by KILIAN FISHER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ILAM IRELAND.
A brief summary presentation was given explaining the role of ILAM and its existing educational and training course. This was also the first inaugural meeting of the Sports Development Officers and a discussion on what they have achieved and what they hope to achieve was facilitated.

SUMMARY
I found the course to be very informative and useful for my work both on a local, provincial and national level. I was able to meet and discuss issues within sport in general as well as promote table tennis to the Sports Development Officers and facility managers. I have a number of contacts to follow up including a membership software, data base package. A possible new venue and funding opportunities for Local Sports Partnerships.