A new intake of coach developers have commenced a professional programme, designed to enhance the support available to coaches working within high-performance sport.
Delivered by the University Of Stirling in collaboration with sportscotland, the High-Performance Coach Developer programme aims to equip experienced coach developers with the knowledge and tools to better support coaching practice in high-performance sporting environments. Those taking part in the programme are coaches from Scottish Hockey, Triathlon Scotland, Paddle Scotland, Scottish Cycling, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Rugby.
Through a combination of research, reflection and practical application, the programme aims to elevate coach development across Scotland’s high-performance environments. Participants achieve a better understanding of the factors which influence learning and performance in relationships, culture and coaching contexts while also finding practical, evidence-based approaches to supporting coaches.
The programme builds on the long-established partnership between the University Of Stirling and sportscotland to enhance practice and support athlete success. Senior Lecturer in Sport Performance Coaching at the University Of Stirling, Dr Andrew Mark Gillott said:
“Sportscotland has provided us with the opportunity to lead the way in the evolution of high-quality coach development practices, and this latest cohort is another exciting step in over a decade of evolving this project.”
A previous participant of the programme, Jay Runga, the Lead Manager, Learning and Development at Scottish Gymnastics said: “The High Performance Coach Developer Programme has changed the way I think about developing people.” Runga said “I left the programme more reflective, more curious and better equipped to support coaches and leaders to understand themselves, connect with others and ultimately thrive.”
The new intake on the programme continue the aim to develop highly skilled coach developers who can support coaches across Scotland’s high-performance environments, ultimately helping to create the conditions for long-term sporting success.
Featured Image Credit: University Of Stirling
