JEDDAH: A new training program to build knowledge of sports teaching and inspire leaders in community sport across the Kingdom has been launched by the British Council and the Ministry of Education. Opened in a special ceremony at Al-Tarbiyah Al-Namout Hajjiyah Boys’ School in Riyadh, Youth Sports Leadership (YSL) training identifies and works with local coaches and trainers to engage young leaders aged 14-19 in the organization of accessible sports events and programs in their local communities.Held in partnership with Youth Sports Trust International, an independent charity, YSL will run over the next two weeks in Riyadh, with additional training taking place at schools in Jeddah and the Eastern Province later this month.Speaking at the ceremony, Mohammed Al-Moqbel, executive director of the National Center for Professional Education Development at the Ministry of Education, said: “It’s really important to the nation’s Vision 2030 goals and to working to ensure that young people, students and teachers in every corner of the country have access to quality sports education that inspires and motivates them to lead healthy and active lifestyles.”Speaking on the training and the British Council’s wider sports initiatives in the Gulf, Amir Ramzan, country director for Saudi Arabia at the council, said: “The benefit that young people get from being involved in sports in any capacity is so valuable, from learning about teamwork and inclusion to organization and commitment.“We’ve already seen that even participating in sport just once can help crucial skills like problem-solving and communication. We look forward to seeing the impact with Youth Sports Leadership now and in the next three years.”YSL will run until Feb. 14 at Al-Tarbiyah Al-Namout Hajjiyah Boys’ School and Al-Abnaa Girls’ School in Riyadh. It will be rolled out in Jeddah and the Eastern Province on Feb. 19-25.