Congratulation to the first seven students taking part in the XTND Youth Leadership Programme from Southland. These young coaches are leading the way in bringing this coaching program to the area.

XTND has been very successful in helping Clubs to develop their team of coaches by growing and developing young leaders within the Club. For the Clubs involved this has meant that they develop a group of talented and enthusiastic young coaches – some coaches may remain with the Club for many years or stay for several years before they leave the area to pursue their studies, however, because the programme is ongoing it means that there are always new coaches ready to fill departing coachs’ shoes. Some Clubs are also finding that old XTND students are seeking them out once they return to the area to settle down with a family.

Haidee Farmilo (GNZ Relationship Manager) recently traveled to Gore from Hamilton to introduce the XTND program. The coaches did two modules over the weekend increasing their coaching knowledge on group management techniques and fundamental movement. Thank you to Gore Gymnastics for hosting the courses and congratulations to Emily Feit and Renan Feit on becoming XTND presenters.