Dads n Lads

Evaluation Report 2011

Compiled by: Hazel Byrne (KRSP)

Contributions by: Kerry Education Service, Mercy Moyderwell Primary School and Dads n Lads participants

Programme supported in association with:

1

CONTENTS PAGE

Page no: Programme background 3 Programme overview 3 Programme aims 3 Programme rationale 4 Programme details 4 Attendance records 4 Programme evaluation methods 4 Programme Feedback Summary 4 Participant feedback 4 Organisational feedback 5 Tutor feedback 5 Challenges encountered 6 Outcomes 6 Recommendations 6 Appendix 1 – Programme content 8 Appendix 2 ‐Evaluation methods 8 Appendix 3‐ Participant feedback 9 Appendix 4‐ Interesting Sports Facts Booklet 13

2 PROGRAMME BACKGROUND

This programme evolved from discussions held with Kerry Education Service, a partner agency with Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership on ways that resources could be leveraged so as to create opportunities for people to be physically active. Through consultation with the Adult Literacy and Basic Education Centre in Tralee, the Mercy Moyderwell Primary School Home School Liaison Officer/Kerry School Completion team the Dads n Lads programme concept was designed.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Dads n Lads programme is a six week after‐school programme for parents/guardians and children focusing on literacy, numeracy and sport. Each session is two hours in duration; a one hour literacy and numeracy session based on a sports theme and a one hour physical activity session. The participants also worked on a group project and produced an “Interesting Sports Facts Booklet” and also took part in a Fun Family Quiz on the final evening of the programme with other family members. Activity sessions included Basketball and Soccer which were chosen by participants.

PROGRAMME AIMS

The aims of this programme are multiple to include the following:

School Completion . To create a bond between father/child as well as father/school to develop the required school community partnership . To facilitate the engagement of positive parental involvement, in a non threatening environment, with the school community . To support the retention of the child/young person within the school

Activity . To provide fathers the chance to enjoy sporting activities and games jointly with their child/children and to develop skills in a fun basis . To create an awareness of the importance of active play and fun activities in children’s lives . To establish positive behaviour and highlight life time activities . To use sport/physical activity as a tool to facilitate male engagement into the school completion programmes and to assist in breaking down barriers Literacy . To jointly develop reading and writing of parent and children through a Dads n Lads Sports Quiz . To develop reading using sport topics and to encourage use of the local library

3 PROGRAMME RATIONALE

It is widely recognised that it can be difficult to engage males in family learning programmes and that “positive parental involvement in their children’s learning is associated with ……. better school attendance and behaviour and better examination results” (Department of Health & Department for Education and Skills,2004 ). It is known that children whose parents are physically active are more than five times as likely to be active than those whose parents are not. The Dads n Lads programme encourages positive parental involvement in both the educational and physical activity levels of the child.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

The programme took place in Mercy Moyderwell Primary School, Tralee for 6 weeks between October and November 2011. Students from 4th, 5th and 6th class and their parent/guardian were recruited by the Home School Liaison Officer. Students were given a survey to allow participant input into the programme activities; Soccer and Basketball were the activities chosen by the group.

ATTENDANCE RECORDS

. Number of participants :11 boys 6 dads . Average attendance: 74% . 29% of participants attended all 6 sessions

PROGRAMME EVALUATION METHODS

During the fifth session a programme evaluation was carried out. A variety of evaluation methods were used; a Kurling mat and flip chart style evaluation (refer to appendix 2 for details)

PROGRAMME FEEDBACK SUMMARY

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

Parents:

. All participants stated that they enjoyed the programme in particular the interactive nature of the sessions. . Some participants found the programme to be interesting and felt that it was a good learning experience for their children. . Some parents felt the sports were good for focusing children and that the sessions allowed for valuable quality time with their children.

4 . The majority of participants said they were doing the same amount of activity as before they started on the programme, however some increased activity levels by walking to the programme . Some parents said the sessions were the only exercise they are currently partaking in, and that they learnt more about exercise with some positive murmurings of becoming more active in the future. . There was a general positive response to taking part in more programmes in the future. The responses were split with some favouring a combined option of literacy/sport and others favouring a sports programme only.

Children:

. There was an overwhelming positive response from children in relation to having time with their dad. . Participants expressed an interest in attending similar sessions in the future.

ORGANISATIONAL FEEDBACK

. Co‐operation, information sharing and support amongst the agencies and tutors was a key factor in the success of the programme . There was a good balance between literacy and activity sessions and both elements complemented each other well. . It was positive that Male Travellers were successfully engaged in the programme. The settled men integrated well with the Traveller men, this proved to be a confidence boost to the Traveller men. . The name of the programme should be considered in the future as the title “Dad” may not be appropriate as there were a number of step dads attending the programme. . It would be great to implement a similar programme in the future with Moms and Daughters.

TUTOR FEEDBACK

. The co‐ordinated approach worked well with the activity session supporting the learning from the literacy module . Development of sports/literacy games for future programmes would bring the learning full circle . Good support given and information shared . The group was cohesive quite early on . The venue gave a good “feel” to the programme in that the programme took place in the boys own school . “I very much enjoyed tutoring on this programme. There was a great level of support and co‐operation between all the participants”

5 . “The attention span, fitness levels and energy levels of the parents and children were different; this proved a challenge in planning appropriate activities for the group”.

CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

. Tutor Selection: Careful consideration needed to be given when selecting tutors for the programme who had the capacity to work with adults and children . Having an integrated themed literacy programme is always a challenge and devising activities to suit everyone’s literacy and numeracy level was also a challenge. . Fluctuation in number of children attending the programme

OUTCOMES

. The group produced an “ Interesting Sports Facts Booklet” which can be used as a resource in the future (see Appendix 4) . Numeracy was incorporated into the sessions in a hands on way i.e. pulse check . Two of the boys went back to playing soccer with local teams as a result of the Soccer sessions, while another was encouraged to join a local Basketball team because of the talent he displayed . The children were given a basketball each on the final evening so they could continue to practise their basketball skills at home. . The programme provided an opportunity for positive parental involvement to occur through literacy and activity sessions . Parents developed a positive attitude towards the school setting and other family members attended the final evening to acknowledge the effort and commitment made by participants . A number of positive links has been established as a result of the successful implementation of this programme: o Between the partner agencies involved in the programme o Between parents and the Home School Liaison Officer

RECOMMENDATIONS

. A maximum of two children with one parent is recommended for delivery of literacy sessions in particular, otherwise attainment of original aims becomes difficult and the father/son relationship is generated best through 1:1 interaction. . It is important to have access to the venue fifteen minutes before programme start time to allow tutors to set up.

6

APPENDICES

(Family Fun Quiz Evening)

7 APPENDIX 1­ PROGRAMME CONTENT

Session Summary of Programme Content No: 1 . Introduction of Course Outline . Football Quiz, Word Search, Maths/Quiz . Soccer session 2 . Pulse, Heart, Fitness . Soccer session 3 . Know your body parts & how they can affect your fitness . Amazing facts . Reading Football charts . Soccer session 4 . Problem solving games . Amazing facts . Basketball session 5 . Amazing facts . Basketball facts & figures . Group Evaluation . Basketball session 6 . Family Fun Quiz . Launch of “Amazing Facts Booklet” . Presentation of Certificates . Group photograph with Media . Basketball session

APPENDIX 2­ EVALUATION METHODS

During the fifth session a programme evaluation was carried out. A variety of evaluation methods were used; a Kurling mat and flip chart style evaluation

Kurling Mat­ Evaluation (facilitated by Kerry Education Service ABE tutors) The evaluation took the form of seven statements, which were read out to the group. Participants were asked to either agree or disagree with the statement.

Next participants were asked to indicate their choice by standing on a particular spot on the Kurling Mat to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement. The results were recorded and facilitators asked follow up questions to gain further information.

Flip Chart­ Evaluation (facilitated by KRSP) A series of questions were devised (list in the appendix 3) which the group used a flip chart to record their answers.

8 APPENDIX 3­ PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK Kurling Mat Evaluation These are the results as observed by the tutors: 1­ I learned a lot on this programme... In general, the children said that while they enjoyed some of the stuff – the Body Parts exercise and the Balloonball were mentioned, they saw it as a chance to make friends. While, for the most part, they contributed to the Interesting Facts Booklet, they didn’t like what they described as the Homework i.e. sourcing information for Interesting Facts Booklet. The parents said that sport was good for focusing the children.

2­ I am now more physically active as a result of this programme... The majority replied that they were still doing as much – or as little – activity as before. However, two of the boys went back to playing soccer with local teams as a result of the Soccer sessions, while another was encouraged to join a local Basketball team because of the talent he displayed. His father had played in his youth but never kept it up into adulthood. Playing Soccer/Basketball during the sessions was the only activity that some of the fathers professed to doing. The fathers said that they found gradual introduction to sport is good.

3­ I would like to do more learning with tutors like Lucy and John... They agreed in the main – and also cited the sports tutors – Padraig and Maria. There was a general consensus favouring an earlier start – and a split between those that wanted a combined Literacy/Sport‐based follow‐on programme and those that would prefer sport only. Others said that they would prefer more time – a longer series of sessions: that it was only getting started when it was done. There was one family that came for the final two weeks only, due to work pressures on the father’s part.

9 4 ­ I would like to do more sports sessions... All agreed – and the sports mentioned were: . Tennis – 4 votes . Boxing – 4 votes . Gaelic Football – 3 vo t es . Soccer – 3 votes . Basketball – 2 votes . Swimming – 2 votes . Rugby – 2 votes . Laps (running) – 1 vote

5­ I am now more aware of my own physical activity levels/physical fitness... There were mostly positive responses to this question, while some fathers said that they knew only too well their inactivity levels – and their lack of fitness. There were positive murmurings in response to asking if they would become more active following the sessions... 6­ It was good to have the programme in the school grounds... While some of the lads replied that they’d like the sessions to take place during school time, the parents were happy the way things were. There was a single mention of Sunday morning which met with no support but mostly, the parents said that it was good to have use of the school facilities – that it mostly suited people to have the sessions there. The gym hall came in for universal praise. 7­ I enjoyed learning new things with my dad/stepdad... The lads were overwhelmingly positive on having the time with their fathers – whether that was the literacy or the sport sessions. Their various comments were...

Children . I chose to come down with him – and I wanted to see how small he was compared with other people

10 . Dad is always busy – nice to spend time with him . I didn’t mind who brought me, as long as I got to play soccer – I love soccer . He spends a lot of time on the computer working – so he needs extra sport, due to the internet . It was fun – and great to come away from my brother’s annoying friends . I enjoyed playing the Basketball . I like to be around him

FLIP CHART­ EVALUATION

Q1. What did you like about this programme? . Laughs, making friends and new friends, meeting other parents . Sport, soccer, soccer/basketball drills . Sports facts, learnt about your pulse, squishy bucket with body parts . Parents and kids doing all of the activities together

Q2. Things you did not get to do but would like to do . Other sports in the gym (refer to appendix 3 point Q4 ) Q3. What advice would you give to other Dads and Lads considering doing this programme? Parent . Do more exercise to get fit . Have fun and make new friends . It is valuable quality time with your children . It’s very interesting. It’s a learning experience. Children . It is time away from the rest of the family, just me and my Dad only

11 Q4. What did you not like about this programme? Parent . I am satisfied I would not change anything Children . We would prefer if the programme took place directly after school time . Did not like homework . The basketball rings were too high

12 APPENDIX 4­ INTERESTING SPORTS FACTS BOOKLET

Dads & Lads

Local National International Amazing Soccer Facts

13 Amazing Soccer Facts Local, National and International

On Sunday 23 of October 2011 Manchester City bet Manchester United 6 – 1.

Team Player Minutes into the game Manchester United 1 Fletcher 81 Manchester City 6 Balotelli 22 Balotelli 60 Agüero 69 Dzeko 89 Silva 90+1 Dzeko 90+3

Players for this match: Manchester United , Chris Smalling, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, , Anderson (Phil Jones, 66), , Nani (Javier Hernández, 66), Darren Fletcher, ,

Manchester City , Joleon Lescott, , , Gaël Clichy, , (Aleksandar Kolarov, 89), , Yaya Touré, Mario Balotelli (Edin Dzeko, 70), Sergio Agüero (Samir Nasri, 76)

Contributed by James Moriarty, Matthew Moriarty and John Quilligan

14 Tralee Dynamos

Leroy McCarthy's Dad plays for Tralee Dynamos. Tralee Dynamos F.C. is an Irish football club, currently playing in the Newstalk A Championship in the Republic of Ireland. The club hails from Tralee, County Kerry in Ireland, and play their home matches at Cahermoneen. The club colours are red. The team were accepted to play in the newly formed A Championship in 2009 [1]. In 2009 Tralee Dynamos reached the last 16 of the FAI Cup but lost to Premier Division side Bray Wanderers. Tralee Dynamos have underage teams from Under 7s to Under 16s called Kingdom Boys. Kingdom Boys are the most successful schoolboy club in Kerry. They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2009. Tralee Dynamos entered a team in the League of Ireland Under 20 competition for the first time in their history this year (2010). CPC.IE is the main sponsor of Tralee Dynamos F.C. for a 3 year term (2010– 2012). Brian Murphy holds a unique record as being the first Dynamos player to score on his Senior & Under 20 debuts.

Contributed by Leroy McCarthy

World Cup Winners - Countries to have Won the Most Titles

Country Wins Years 1. Brazil 5 1958, 1962,1970, 1994, 2002 2. Italy 4 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006 3. Germany 3 1954, 1974, 1990

15 4. Argentina 2 1978, 1986 5. Uruguay 2 1930, 1950 6. France 1 1998 7. Spain 1 2010 8. England 1 1966

Year - Host Nation - Finish 1930 Uruguay Champions 1934 Italy Champions 1938 France Quarterfinals 1950 Brazil Runners-up 1954 Switzerland Quarterfinals 1958 Sweden Runners-up 1962 Chile Third place 1966 England Champions 1970 Mexico Quarterfinals 1974 West Germany Champions 1978 Argentina Champions 1982 Spain Round 2 1986 Mexico Quarterfinals 1990 Italy Third place 1994 United States Round 2 1998 France Champions 2002 Korea Republic Fourth place and Japan Round of 16 2006 Germany Third place 2010 South Africa First Round

6 Host Nations have won the world cup out of 19.

Contributed by Shane McCarthy

16 Aviva Stadium

This is Irelands Soccer Stadium. It can hold 45,000 people and it is in Dublin.

In a 1993 soccer game 20 Red cards were shown leaving only 2 player on the pitch.

In 1998 England referee Martin Sylvester sent himself off after punching a player on the pitch.

Contributed by Thomas White

17 Get your Head stuck in! In 1950 India withdrew from the World Cup because FIFA refused to let them play barefoot. Luigi Riva once broke the arm of a spectator with one of his powerful shots.

Contributed by Thomas White & Paddy White

France cheated Ireland out of the World Cup in 2010 by a handball.

Handball The France vs Republic of Ireland 2010 FIFA World Cup play-off, dubbed by the media as the Hand of Frog affair, was a controversial game played on 18 November 2009 in the Stade de France outside Paris between the national teams of France and the Republic of Ireland. It was the second leg of a two leg play-off in the UEFA Second Round of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa. The game finished in a draw, but as France had won the first leg at Croke Park it meant that they progressed to the finals at the expense of Ireland. After the game, the French captain Thierry Henry admitted to Irish defender that he had illegally handled the ball in the build-up to the scoring of the match-winning goal, scored by William Gallas in extra time with 17 minutes remaining in the game.

In the World Cup of 2010 held in South Africa, Ghana was the last African team to remain in the competition. They lost to Uruguay in the quarter finals

Contributed by Mathew Moriarty O’Riordan

18 This year 2011 Sir Alex Ferguson has been the manager of Manchester United for 25 years. This makes him the longest serving Manchester United manager of all time.

A stand at Manchester United Football Grounds, Old Trafford has been named in honour of him.

Contributed by James Moriarty

Sir Alex Ferguson quotes:

'It was a freakish incident. If I tried it 100 or a million times it couldn't happen again. If I could I would have carried on playing!' Explaining how he kicked a boot in the United dressing room that hit David Beckham in the face.

'When an Italian tells me it's pasta on the plate, I check under the sauce to make sure. They are the inventors of the smokescreen.' Before playing Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-final, 1999.

'They say he's an intelligent man, right? Speaks five languages. I've got a 15-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast who speaks five languages!' - On Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, 1996.

'He could start a row in an empty house.' - On Dennis Wise

19 Only 3 players have won the World Player of the Year twice in a row:

Lionel Messi (2009 & 2010) Ronaldinho (2004 & 2005) Ronaldo (1996 &1997)

Contributed by Shane and Fergus McCarthy

My cousin plays for the Kerry Girls Team and Munster Girls Team.

The Kerry Schoolboys/ Girls League:

The Kerry Schoolboys / Girls League provides soccer for boys and girls from under 7 to under 16′s. Our Under 7′s/8′s/9′s/10′s play in a Super Sevens competition – a non competitive series of games where enjoyment is the name of the game. Our younger girls play in a Soccer Sisters set up, where once again it is all about enjoyment. For the 2010 / 2011 season the League has 102 Boys teams and 13 Girls 11 a side teams affiliated. The League runs Academies and Emerging Talent Programmes for our under 11′s / 12′s / 13′s and 14′s and a County Team at 15′s. The Leagues two members on the SFAI Council are Padraig Harnett and Colm Dunlea with Padraig Harnett also a member of the SFAI Rules Committee.

Contributed by Leroy McCarthy

Lucky Yuichi Yuichi Komano of Japan missed a penalty against Paraguay and got his team knocked out of The World Cup. He stilled received a medal back in Japan.

Komano’s fierce drive crashed against the crossbar for what was the only miss as Paraguay clinched a place in the quarterfinals and Japan headed for the exit door. As he saw the pained expressions on the faces of teammates and fans, he felt his own private agony. The remarkable journey Komano had taken just to reach the World Cup suddenly paled in insignificance.

Komano, 29, was a rising star in Japan until a series of injuries and ailments nearly sidelined his career. He damaged the cruciate ligaments in his knee; but that turned out to be a good thing. While he was hospitalized, a quick-thinking doctor performed a check that revealed he had venous thrombosis, a dangerous blood clot that could have been life-threatening.

20 Komano recovered and returned in time for the 2004 Summer Olympics, but he broke his collarbone playing in Athens. A month later, he was diagnosed with uveitis, an eye disease that can cause blindness in many of its sufferers.

Against the odds, he battled back and forced his way onto the national team, sporting his new nickname ‘Lucky’. He claimed his place at this World Cup, only to be dealt the cruellest of blows by one of sports’ cruellest ways to decide a game: missing a penalty kick.

Contributed by Shane and Fergus McCarthy

The Boss Alex Ferguson has made the record of being the longest serving manager in England. Ferguson: Manager of Manchester United for 25 years Arsène Wenger Manager of Arsenal for 16 years John Coleman: Manager of Accrington Stanley for 15 years Thomas Schaaf is a former manager of Werder Bremen 12 years

Contributed by James Moriarty

The Winners are: On the 12 of November I played a match. I played in mid-field in the first half of the game and in defence in the second half. The score was 2goals – 6 goals to us.

Contributed by Matthew Moriarty

21

Contributed by Shane & Fergus McCarthy

22