Reader,
When we talk about coach development, we generally think about formal coach education, qualifications, courses and licences.
Without a doubt, the formal coach education process adds huge value, and even now I am still undertaking coaching courses to add value to my practice. It’s important to stay curious in coaching.
The other side of this is that formal coach education can be infrequent, there can be a disconnect between contacts on the course and support in between, and at times it’s a huge amount of content to consume at once. So how can clubs or organisations better support coaches in between these workshops and courses?
For me, peer to peer learning, mentoring, feedback, video, self reflection and most importantly an openness to learn are all exceptionally valuable tools.
I have learned more on the grass doing things, working with other coaches and testing ideas than on courses, but those courses have made a great impact in how I organise, deliver and review my approach.
The biggest challenges for coach development internally at clubs can simply be the reality of the season. It’s a week to week grind, coaches are often time poor, volunteers and racing from work to the training ground to deliver a session with kids.
Making time within your club or school for coaches to watch each other, get together to discuss coaching topics or simply share ideas is essential in continuing the growth of your programme.
Three things to consider.
- Can you build a community of learning*, introduce mentoring or knowledge sharing within your club? Whether it’s once a month or once every few months, it will add value to get coaches together so they feel connected.
- Does your organisation implement coach development plans? This can be a valuable tool for coaches to understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as give them targets to work towards.
- Does your club engage your staff with online learning and coaching courses to create a culture of constant learning?
*If you would like the PDP team to help you create a community of learning at your club or school, please get in touch.
One thing for you to try this week.
Reflect on your coach education journey – are you still actively learning and gaining new perspectives? If not, consider leading in this area in your organisation to help all coaches, or put some educational goals in place for your own development.
One critical resource on the topic.
Check out this PDP guide with Plymouth Argyle’s Head of Coaching, Lee Hodge on coach capability building.
