Sport in York Schools will receive a boost next week thanks to a dedicated school sport conference.

Teachers and assistants involved in physical activity at schools across the city have been invited to the York PE and School Sport Conference, which will take place at Oaklands Sports Centre on Friday 29 June.

The free conference has been organised by City of York Council's Sport and Active Leisure team and is intended to promote good practice, showcase new ideas and provide opportunities to experience new activities.

The day will be opened by keynote speaker, Dawn Brooksbank, head of leadership and volunteering at the Youth Sport Trust.  During the day delegates will receive information on leadership, supporting talented pupils in PE, and details about qualifications such as the Young Sports Leaders Award and the new Sports Diploma. 

Best practices will be shared with speakers from York's two School Sport Partnerships - Oaklands School Sport Partnership and Jorvik School Sports Partnership.  There will also be an opportunity to pick up ideas for new activities such as Poly Bat, Boccia, Goal Ball and Zone Hockey, Table Cricket and Cheerleading, which may not be available in schools at present.

The conference is open to anyone who is a member of the York Sports Coach Association, school staff and anyone who is interested in becoming involved in sport in schools.  It would also be useful for individuals from sports clubs who are involved in coaching children. 

Liz Burkinshaw, PE and School Sport Consultant at the council, said: "I've no doubt delegates will go back to their schools or organisations with a whole host of fresh ideas to inject into their lessons or sessions.  Not only will they learn new sport specific abilities but they will also take with them leadership skills which will be useful when dealing with young people generally."

The conference starts at 9.30am and finishes at 3.00pm and a small number of places are still available.  Anyone interested in attending this course or who would like further information should contact Liz Burkinshaw on 07767 3180101 or email liz.burkinshaw@york.gov.uk