Nia Jones, who works at both Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi and Dyffryn Teifi Secondary School, has been recognised by the Sports Council for Wales for her efforts to get young people fit and active.

Named 5x60 Officer of the Month for December, Nia is just one of the motivators recruited by the Sports Council for Wales’ 5x60 scheme, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Supported locally by Ceredigion County Council, it is designed to get more secondary school pupils taking part in 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week.

The 25-year-old from Tregaron, named Player of the Year for her football club two years running, has persuaded scores of pupils to get off the sidelines and take part in 5x60 sessions.

She has been in post for over two years and has introduced a vast number of extra-curricular activities in that time with dodgeball, football, badminton and clog dancing proving the most popular.

She explains, "5x60 has provided more opportunities for everyone in the school to get fit, and have fun in the process! More pupils who don’t normally participate in school sports are now active and are seeing the benefits of getting involved. They are growing in confidence, improving their ability and making friends as they go."

Rob Evans, Head of PE at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi said:

"5x60 has been a huge help in providing a variety of sporting activities that PE teachers would not have the time to cover. It has been a great benefit to the school in terms of opportunities and has helped in creating a community atmosphere amongst staff and pupils. It has been particularly pleasing and satisfying to watch the older pupils help the younger ones to learn and progress in a number of different and non-traditional sports through being part of the 5x60 volunteer team."

And the pupils are championing their 5x60 Officer as well.

Jack Thomas, Year 10 pupil at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, said:

"I like 5x60 football because we all get a chance to play, and we haven’t lost yet!"

Alisha Nixon, also a pupil at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, said:

"5x60 keeps us busy at lunchtimes and after school and we get to play against other schools, it’s great!"

Delighted with the success of the programme, Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Philip Carling, said:

"The Sports Council for Wales’ 5x60 scheme is proving successful in tempting pupils off the sidelines and into sport. Activities like cheerleading, street dance and Frisbee golf are encouraging even the most reluctant and act as a gateway to other more traditional sports and an active lifestyle."

Pupils are invited to visit www.5x60.org.uk and to nominate their officer.