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Well on the Way to Healthier Schools – YST Conference 

The Youth Sport Trust Conference yesterday brought together more than 600 delegates to explore the refreshed pillars of the Well Schools movement: Lead Well, Move Well, Live Well. The event focused on how collaboration between educators, parents, and communities can create a healthier generation of young learners, while promoting active, wellbeing-focused schools.

Highlights of the conference were the inspiring keynote speeches from Baroness Sue Campbell and Dr. James Hewitt. Baroness Campbell shared valuable leadership lessons, stressing the importance of asking questions, empowering others, and sharing credit to lead well in the pursuit of success. Dr. Hewitt captivated the audience with fascinating insights into how physical activity can enhance cognitive performance – with effects that surpass even the benefits of homework.

In a recorded speech addressing attendees, Minister for School Standards Catherine McKinnell expressed her strong commitment to ensuring all children, in all education settings, have access to high-quality physical education and school sport. She emphasised the importance of the Youth Sport Trust’s work, noting the positive impact it has on the lives of children and young people. In particular, the Minister cited the successful delivery of the Inclusion 2024 programme, a consortium partnership led by the Youth Sport Trust, which seeks to provide more inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND. Minister McKinnell also highlighted her desire to work with experts, including from sport, to develop an Enrichment Framework, which will identify the range of different enrichment activities pupils should have access to and reflect best practice to encourage schools to deliver a broad and engaging enrichment offer. READ MORE

U11 Girls Football

Thirteen teams competed in the U11 Plymouth girls football qualifiers with the opportunity to qualify for the Devon Finals later in the year. Teams were split into a pool of 7 schools and a pool of 6 schools. The games were 8 minutes long with no halftime. There were some very close games throughout the afternoon on an even playing field including a lot of 0-0 draws, showing how close the matches were. Once the results were in, 1^st Place of pool A (Oakwood) played 2^nd place of pool B (St. Matthews). This game ended 2-0 to St. Matthews. Meanwhile 1^st Place of Pool B (Manadon Vale) played 2^nd place of Pool A (Elburton). This game was decided by penalties after a 0-0 game in which Elburton were victorious. Congratulations to them and St. Matthews on qualifying for the Devon finals and the opportunity to represent Plymouth.

A big well done to everyone who played and thank you to all the referees who were fantastic and professional throughout the games.