Coaching Development in West Yorkshire

The vision of the UK Coaching Framework is to create a world class coaching system by 2016, with the aim to create a cohesive, ethical, inclusive and valued coaching system where skilled coaches can support children, players and athletes at all stages of their development in sport.

To achieve this vision, West Yorkshire Sport has brought together local, regional and national partners to develop and manage a local Coaching Network.

What is a Coaching Network?

Quite simply this is intended to provide support to coaches, irrespective of what level that they are at or who they coach. The aim is to support the 'Right Coach', to be in the 'Right Place' at the 'Right time', and adopt a coach centred approach to developing coaching as a profession which is properly recognised, supported and rewarded.

Key areas of work for the Coaching Network will include:

• Improve communication with coaches to increase awareness of funding, training and support available, promote coaching opportunities, and encourage feedback from coaches.
• Greater co-ordination to support the recruitment, development and deployment of active and skilled coaches.
• Support the sharing of best practice in the coaching sector.
• Provide and manage an information management system (Coaching West Yorkshire) to support this area of work and create a profile of coaches, coaching activity and gaps in provision. This will help us to understand coaching needs and inform future development work.

Similar networks are being developed in each County Sport Partnerships to support National Governing Body activity around coaching and coaches operating locally.

A key principal of the networks is that activity will be 'needs led' with these being identified and jointly agreed with NGBs - based on their sport's coach and participant pathways, their whole sport plan, and locally identified priorities.

How will this benefit coaches?

• Improved information on support and coaching opportunities available in the area.
• Help coaches develop by providing suitable opportunities and education.
• Ensure a better understanding of coaches' needs and encourage partnership work to address these.
• Promote greater awareness and recognition of coaches.

How will this help organisations that deliver sport in West Yorkshire?

• Ensure a skilled, active and motivated coaching workforce, improving the quality of coaching throughout sport in the county.
• Share information on the availability of coaches and areas of need in West Yorkshire.
• Make best use of existing resources through coordination.
• Assist NGBs and other partners to deliver their objectives locally.

For further information contact: Les Ford, Coaching Development Manager

Tel: 01484 234087

Email: les.ford@wysport.co.uk