Coaching
The role of the coach will be many and varied, from instructor, assessor, , mentor, facilitator, demonstrator, adviser, supporter, fact finder, motivator, organiser, planner, activity buddy and the Fountain of all Knowledge. Coaches come from a wide range of areas, from ex-competitors, parents, teachers and even fans just interested in that sport, all with one thing in common - a passion for coaching.
To get into coaching, you can start off gaining experience by volunteering in various environments including clubs and schools. This way your experience and skills can develop and over time you can learn and grow your own style of coaching.
In addition to getting first hand experience, you should also be completing coaching courses. Most national coaching bodies run or accredit courses that can be done to give you coaching skills and knowledge. These courses usually follow a level system, from junior introductory coaching to top-level elite coaching qualifications. They also advance from generic basic coaching to sport specific courses run by national governing bodies.
Mentoring is another a great way to move forward in your coaching. Many great coaches were once assistants to another great coach, where they were able to use their mentor as a sounding board for ideas and questions on coaching, and to mould some of their coaching style and skills into their own.
Leisure Services in partnership with WASP run regular coaching courses on a variety of subjects (see pdf below) or visit the WASP website.
For more information on courses email Doug Imrie or call him on 01793 465405
Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Partnership