P.E. instructors hail Train-the-Trainer programme
Participants at the just-ended two-day Train-the-Trainer programme for Physical Education (P.E) instructors in the Greater Accra Region have hailed its impact and called for more collaboration to help equip trainers to positively impact the girl child.
Held at the McDan La Town Park by the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section, the programme brought together 16 physical education instructors from selected basic, junior and senior high schools in the region to enhance their knowledge and skills in training and mentoring female student-athletes.
Sports Envoy Amy Griffin, a 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner with the U.S., and former American professional soccer player Kofi Sarkodie, alongside the instructors, led on-field soccer drills involving more than 60 girls drawn from La Presby A&B JHS, La Emmaus JHS, La Salem, La St. Paul’s and Enobal Basic Schools.
Participants were taken through practical skills, communication, coaching methodology, team culture, building technical capacity and the hands-on application of new techniques with female student-athletes.
Speaking to the Times Sports at the end of the programme, the Deputy Regional P.E. Coordinator for the Greater Accra Region under the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Malcolm Frimpong, said the training provided valuable insights that would help participants create a more supportive and empowering environment for girls participating in sports.
He noted that coaches play an important role in the development of female student-athletes, not only by improving their sporting abilities but also by providing guidance, encouragement and mentorship.
“A well-equipped coaching workforce contributes significantly to nurturing talent while promoting discipline, confidence, team culture, bonding and other positive values among female student-athletes.”
He thanked the U.S. Embassy for hosting the event and called for stronger collaboration to sustain and expand the initiative.
On his part, the P.E. teacher of Frafraha Community Senior High School, Mr Adu Antwi, said the programme was an eye-opener for him and his colleagues as it broadens their horizon, giving them greater insight into the latest trends in dealing with young talents at the basic, junior and senior high school levels.
He revealed that the immediate feedback from the students on the field was marvelous, expressing the hope that the training would not be the last of such programmes organised by the Embassy.
The Education and Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy, Madam Donya Eldridge, said that to help the participating students and their colleagues continue training in school, the Embassy had made available practical gear, including balls, bibs and bags, among others, to sustain their training.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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