School children have been enjoying some fitness fun as college students put their coaching skills to the test.

The youngsters from Billingham's Roseberry Primary School are taking part in a series of sports classes delivered by Sports students from SRC Bede Sixth Form.

"The aim of the sessions is to give the students the chance to demonstrate their coaching skills in a real setting," said SRC Bede Sports lecturer, Tor Black. "It also gives us the chance to give something back to the local community."

Leading the first session at the College’s SRC Sports Centre in Billingham, student coach Megan Quigley, 18, of Norton, said: "I was really nervous at the start, particularly coaching athletics which is something different for me, but I really enjoyed it and thought the class was a success."

Classmate and fellow coach Vicky Shepherd, also 18, of Norton, said: "I felt nervous because we didn't know the children, but after five minutes I loved it, I really started to enjoy myself."

Impressed by the students’ professional approach, Roseberry teacher Claire Grylls said: "The children really enjoyed the session. It's great for them to get the chance to be active and have fun in a different environment.

"The students did really well. They had a learning objective, offered clear instructions and demonstrations while maintaining a good level of authority and still making it fun."

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