Pure gold!

Sports leaders at Louth Academy with gold award certificates from The School Games.

First class provision and a commitment to develop sport has won Louth Academy a top accolade.

The School Games Gold Mark has been awarded in recognition of its efforts to increase participation.

The scheme, launched by the Government in 2012, is facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust.

Curriculum Leader in PE Chris Prendergast said everyone was delighted to have received the recognition.

"We have been committed to the development of competition across our school and into the community and are delighted with our success," he said.

"Record totals of young people competed in local inter-school competitions this year and attended extra-curricular clubs.

"We are extremely proud of their dedication to all aspects of school sport.

"This includes those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible, and, as a result, have achieved many victories across an array of sports this year at district, county and, in some cases, regional level."

The School Games Mark application process saw the academy asked to fulfil criteria in participation, competition, workforce and clubs.

Associate Principal Joe Hermiston congratulated his PE staff.

"We are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year," he said.

"I am particularly proud of our sports leaders who have hosted numerous events involving local primary schools.

"This has helped us forge closer links, so important in a community such as Louth."

Primary pupils have competed at both Louth Academy campuses in boys' football, girls' football, multi-skills, new age kurling, rounders, golf and indoor athletics.

Mr Hermiston said: "We look forward to continuing to develop these links with our primary feeders and ensuring we continue to hit the gold standard in sports provision.

"Our sports leaders also get a huge amount out of our commitment."

One of those, Halle Durrant-Jones, praised the range of sport on offer at the Academy and the inclusivity.

"I've gained more confidence and have better communication skills that have helped develop me as a young person socially," Halle said.

"I have enjoyed ⁠getting to know different schools and having opportunities to go into them."

Another sports leader, Will Jackson, said: "I'm a very competitive person and Louth Academy offers me the opportunities to compete in a number of different sports and on regular occasions.

"⁠I have learnt more rules and regulations around sports. I have become more confident in speaking to other people which has helped me when speaking to other students, staff and participants. 

"I have also enjoyed ⁠having the opportunities to work with local primary schools and gain experience leading and coaching sports which is something that really interests me."

The School Games aims to make a positive and meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people through sport and physical activity. More details can be found at www.yourschoolgames.com