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)].

The bigger splash project aimed to develop an effective system for administrating, coordinating and mentoring the work of Chelsea School students within neighbourhood voluntary sports organisations.  Academics, volunteers, and community partners who appreciate the needs and operational procedures of voluntary sports organisations, worked together to help students find skills-led placements, initially within Eastbourne Swimming Club.  The aim is for the outcomes of the project to be applied to many more Eastbourne sports clubs, ensuring students graduate with skills and experience relevant to their degree.

The seed funding has enabled the applicants to develop transferable “job” descriptions for placements within (initially) Eastbourne Swimming Club, which can be extrapolated to any community voluntary sports club.  It has enabled students to have a clearly defined placement opportunity which related directly to the skills and development required of University if Brighton degree courses.  As a direct result of the Bigger Splash project students have been placed in roles within Eastbourne Swimming Club. The students have gained practical skills which complement their theoretical university based learning. Their skills are entirely transferable and CV worthy. The swimming club has had not only additional teachers to support its young members, but has also been able to offer elements of sports science support which were previously not possible. This includes education opportunities for the swimmers as well as their parents, in terms of strength and conditioning training and nutrition. There has been mentoring of the students which allows them to assess their own practice. Due to the clear definition of the positions undertaken, the whole process is more streamlines which reduces the workload for the mentors.

Following the creation and piloting of voluntary job opportunities for students by The Bigger Splash Project, Active Student has been involved in a way which enables all sports clubs to benefit. The pre-existing framework that Active Student offers has been applied in this case and Bigger Splash has facilitated a supportive and experienced link which will be carried to any number of voluntary community sports clubs that wish to benefit from having students involved as volunteers within their community.

Now that voluntary roles have been clearly defined, it is hoped that students will continue to undertake placements within Eastbourne Swimming Club.  Evaluation from students will lead to further refinement of the voluntary positions.