During this day long event coaches had a choice of six workshops covering key areas of development for coaching. These ranged from an introduction to the fundamentals of movement to disability awareness and positive behaviour management. Three of the workshops were Sports Coach UK certified, providing coaches with the opportunity to build on their qualifications. And there were also three independently run workshops. Workshop leaders included Gary Batchelor, a former National Squash Coach with the England junior squads, who was sharing new tools to incorporate positive youth development into coaching. And Jane Griffin, one of the UK’s foremost sports dieticians, and previously a Consultant Nutritionist to the British Olympic Association, shared how nutrition can support athletic training.
The day wasn’t just about learning. It was also about sharing experience and giving coaches the opportunity to meet and network with one another over lunch and during breaks. With the event being free, it gave a wide range of people the opportunity to attend as Ben Fisher, Coach Development Manager from Bucks Sport, commented: “It’s vital we support and attract the very best coaches in Buckinghamshire. And hosting a day like this is an opportunity to bring these individuals together and give them the chance to meet some of the leaders in the coaching and sports world.” Certainly for one coach it was just what he was looking for. “I found the day interesting and beneficial and was really pleased to have attended. And of course meeting an Olympian was a bonus!”
The inspirational presence of Miriam Luke, a triple Olympian and member of Britain’s first Olympic medal-winning women’s rowing squad, was a reminder that the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games are fast approaching. Leading a workshop focusing on the vital role a coach can play in recognising and supporting talent, some of the coaches may now go on to spot and support a future Olympian. Or, at the very least, they will feel more equipped to inspire people through sport. And the day was also an opportunity to introduce them to Impact Sports Coaching, a not for profit agency set up by Bucks Sport to help organisations source the best coaches and for quality coaches to find the best jobs.
For details of the day please contact Ben Fisher, Coaching Development Manager, on 01296 585580 or email bfisher[at]buckssport.org. For details about the Impact Sports Coaching agency see www.impactbucks.org.