Origin Touch

Background

The Origin Touch Programme is the WTA’s new Junior Touch development programme. It is intended to introduce children to the basics of Touch via fun and progressive activities of ball-handling, relay, group & individual challenges which build on the skills, concepts and rules of Touch over a number of sessions.

The programme is designed to be suitable for children that have had limited or no past involvement in Touch, however it can also be used to increase the skill level of older participants with some previous experience of playing Touch.

The programme is suitable for children between 8 and 16 years old, and for both boys and girls.

The aim of the programme is to provide a fun and friendly activity delivered by qualified instructors. This can be run at a school, collage or youth club venue and is delivered in blocks over a 6-8 session period either in-school or outside school hours.These sessions will progress from skill development expanding into a game format over time.

Delivery

The programme is delivered by qualified instructors, either directly by the WTA or by teachers, youth club leaders or appropriate individuals who have successfully completed the WTA’s Leader’s toolkit.

The Origin Touch Leaders are extremely important to the success of the programme. They are responsible for developing a good relationship with both the participant and their parents/guardians. If the Leader does this area of their role well & then provides the participant with a positive and fun environment to learn, it gives the greatest chance of the participant continuing in the sport long after the programme is over.

Game Sense Principles

The Origin Touch Programme is based on Game Sense Principles. Game Sense is an approach to coaching that is ‘game centred rather than the traditional ‘technique ’ approach.

It makes the activity session closer to game situations, and encourages the Leader to create scenarios where the children have to find solutions to the situations they find themselves in, for themselves.

In this approach a Leader is more of a facilitator than a director, questioning or problem solving with input from the group. The programme provides activities and games that progressively challenge and motivate children to develop an understanding of the strategies, skills and rules required to succeed.

How to get involved

If you are interested in implementing the Origin Touch Programme, or are looking to get involved as an Origin Touch Leader, please contact the WTA’s Development Director Matt Enoch for more information. 07983620962 matthew.enoch@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Download File:  WTA Fair Play Codes

Download File:  Game Modifications for Juniors