Rob Woodhead

After working as a Sports & Physical Activities Coordinator for the past 5 years, Rob has made the move to the Sports Development Team to develop a joint remit of Basketball & Disability Sport. A graduate of Liverpool John Moores University in Combined Sports & Education Studies, Rob followed his passion for coaching and development. A keen player and coach of Basketball for the past ten years, Rob has been heavily involved in Basketball, both in West Yorkshire and Merseyside. After working for Active Schools Rob developed a keen interest in Disability Sport and has seen great success with the Athletes at Musselburgh Grammar School. Rob has strong plans for both Basketball & Disability Sport in East Lothian and is very excited to be part of a dynamic and forward thinking Sports Development Team.

disability

DISABILITY ATHLETICS SUCCESS AT MEADOWMILL SPORTS CENTRE

For the last year or so some of the county’s disabled residents have been put through their paces at Meadowmill Sports Centre under the watchful eyes of coaches based in the county. Once a week they attend a disability athletics club and take part in running, jumping and throwing events.

 

These, hour long, Thursday morning sessions not only improve fitness in terms of strength, stamina and speed but also help with balance, co-ordination, agility and general well-being. “It’s fabulous to see the enthusiasm that the guys put into this” says Jamie Wilson, from Longniddry, who coaches the club; the range of disability varies a lot and Jamie tries to keep to a varied programme of activities, concentrating on what the participants can do rather than what they cannot do, “I like to concentrate on their ability rather than their disability” says Jamie.

 

The results speak for themselves with about fourteen disabled adults attending each week.  Most of the group come from the Mansfield day Centre in Musselburgh or the Port Seton Day Centre, but a number of individuals also attend. “We are always happy to have more people take part as it is so important for those with disability to participate in exercise” says Jamie “I would certainly encourage anyone to come and take part in a session”.

 

Sports Development Officer for Disability Sport, Rob Woodhead said he was pleased with the reception of the session and the quality of the coaching.  We have some excellent deliverers working in East Lothian and the success of this session is evident to that.

 

The sessions take place at Meadowmill Sports Centre on Thursday morning between 10:30 and 11:30 and cost £1.50 per session; further details are available from Rob Woodhead, the county’s Disability Sports Development Officer who can be contacted at Meadowmill on 01875 619 066 or by e-mail at rwoodhead@eastlothian.gov.uk