The Bigger Splash

"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is." [Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut (2003)].

On the Eastbourne Campus of the University of Brighton, around 200 students start a Physical Education (PE), coaching (C) and Sports and Exercise Science (SES) degree every year. These students learn how to support the development of young children to elderly populations through physical activity whether competitive or not: the theory behind a healthy physical activity. Interestingly, good placements are difficult to obtain for these students when looking for work experience. This is very paradoxical since university facilities are used by many local sports clubs early mornings, evenings and weekends. But students are unfortunately rarely in contact with their own neighbours. Sharing common interests in the domain of sports or physical activity, they miss an opportunity to be directly involved in the Life of their local communities.

The bigger splash project (fully supported by the Community University Partnership Programme (Cupp), University of Brighton) is the first step in the development of an effective system for administrating, coordinating and mentoring the work of Chelsea School students within voluntary sports organisations. Academics and volunteers who appreciate the needs and operational procedures of voluntary sports organisations are given the opportunity to work together to help students gaining experience in their local neighbourhood.

Leigh Greenland, fundraising officer of Eastbourne Swimming Club (ESC) and Dr. Jeanne Dekerle, Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Physiology at the University of Brighton, also Head Coach of ESC, will be leading the bigger splash project. Workshops and seminars with various partners such as the 3VA (A service for voluntary and community groups across Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden) and Active Students (a university’s service providing students with volunteering placements in the local community) will be organised to compile a club-specific list of managed volunteer opportunities. Academics and volunteers will be given the time to discuss ways of developing sustainable and effective partnership with consideration of the particular limitations of voluntary sports organisations. Some student’s experience will be piloted with ESC. It is hoped that the outcomes from the project will benefit all sports clubs interested in benefiting from students’ input.

What the project hopes to achieve

ESC and ideally other clubs at a later stage shall gain an appreciation of University of Brighton courses taught in their neighbourhood with a subsequent identification of positions students could apply for, within the club – video analysis, guidance on nutrition, strength/conditioning programs, etc. The delivery of swimming teaching and coaching shall improve and the personal development of ESC teachers and coaches shall be facilitated via knowledge brought by “visiting” students.

By applying their learning in the field, students within Physical Education, coaching and Sports and Exercise Science courses would gain experience working in a voluntary organisation and shall better understand the benefits of such experience.  They shall develop their own skills and confidence to bridge communication gaps by working with all ages and backgrounds.

Who the project will work with

Leigh Greenland, fundraising officer of Eastbourne Swimming Club (ESC) and Dr. Jeanne Dekerle, Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Physiology at the University of Brighton, also Head Coach of ESC, will be leading the bigger splash project. Workshops and seminars will be organised with various partners such as the 3VA (A service for voluntary and community groups across Eastbourne, Lewes District and Wealden) and Active Student (the university’s volunteering service providing students with volunteering placements in the local community). Moreover, more than 300 individuals aged 7 to 77 are currently members of ESC and the list of links between all these members and other local communities or organizations is endless.

How the project links to the idea of neighbourliness

• When thinking of “Neighbourliness”, we automatically think Geography:
  ESC hires 4 swimming pools within Eastbourne, three within a mile of the Eastbourne Campus. ESC is also a heavy user of the University pool in Denton road with 12 hours per week being hired for the training of their main squads.
• “Neighbourliness”: Do you know your neighbours and neighbourhood?
  Greater student engagement in local sports clubs promotes integration with local communities appreciating students for who they truly are. The bigger splash project shall provide a purpose to interact positively, and develop mutual understanding and respect. ESC welcomes families of all backgrounds/ages, in which students would become involved. Local communities will learn about courses offered by the University of Brighton on the Eastbourne campus and how students can be supported in their daily activities, reducing stereotypes and misperceptions.
• “learning with your neighbours”
  Teachers at ESC have worked with swimmers for several years on a weekly basis, some of whom are of high level. Students would learn from contact with not only swimmers, but their parents, teachers, club management and other clubs. Conversely, students following a Physical Education (PE), coaching (C) and Sports and Exercise Science (SES) degree will provide assistance to athletes and parents in their daily activities, and teachers in their teaching.
  
  Members of local sports clubs – whether parents, committee members or swimmers - have few opportunities to be in contact with the university world. The local sports club is often the first step into the word of volunteers. All groups will get to know each other, work together, learn together and support each other, reducing the group delineation.

Project Partners   

Leigh Greenland (Eastbourne Swimming Club (ESC))

Dr. Jeanne Dekerle (Chelsea School, University of Brighton)