Sports Coaching Course
It is becoming more and more evident that there are many factors involved in athletic performance. This unique qualification covers many of these factors, to provide the student with a broad base of skills and knowledge that can be applied in a sporting (or other) context. This course includes psychological concepts, coaching skills, motivation, fitness, nutrition, and more. Learning these skills and knowledge will allow the graduate to excel as a sports coach.
There are a diverse range of electives available for the students to choose from to allow them to specialise in the area of their interest.
The course is compiled of six modules - FOUR core modules - Fitness Risk Management, Motivation, Life Coaching and Sports Psychology, and two elective modules selected from a list of possibilities.
Modules
Note that each module in the Qualification - Certificate in Sports Coaching is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.
What is it like Working in Sports Coaching?
The field of sports coaching is highly varied. These coaches may encourage people to become interested in, and participate in, a sport in order to achieve their full potential. They may support professional sports people to improve their performance. They may work in schools, colleges and universities, coaching students in particular sports. Sports coaches may also work in outreach programs helping young people and underrepresented groups to participate in sports.
Sports coaches aim to identify the needs of the individual (and the team) and implement suitable programs to improve the performance of the person (or team). It involves developing the physical and mental fitness of the athlete. Sports coaches also need to know the psychological theories to motivate and encourage athletes to their maximum performance. They must also be able to help athletes when they are becoming anxiety or doing badly or injured. Coaches must also be aware of the health and safety of the people they support, and legal and ethical regulations.
Their tasks will be varied and may include tasks such as:
- Evaluating performance
- Giving feedback
- Assessing strengths and weaknesses
- Clear communication
- Communicating with the media
- Inspiring confidence
- Motivating sports people
- Ensuring sportspeople participate and attend training
- Making all players aware of matches, training requirements, meetings etc.
- Breaking down activities into simple steps e.g. if a player is having difficulties with a new move, the coach can help break it into smaller achievable steps for the player
- Acting as a role model
- Applying for sponsorship
- Communicating with parents when coaching children
- Liaising with other professionals, such as teachers, other coaches, physiotherapists, doctors
- Arranging transport
If you choose to work for yourself, then you will also be required to complete administrative tasks, such as your own marketing, networking, keeping records of performance, teams, staff involved and so on.
Opportunities
There are a range of opportunities for coaching. Some coaches may work full time. For example, a professional football team may have their own full time coach. They may work part time – smaller teams may require a part time coach, or they may work hand in hand with the full time or senior coach.
Some may carry out paid coaching in addition to their other work e.g. coaching a football team one night a week and at the weekend. Other coaches may be unpaid and do coaching on a voluntary basis.
Some coaches may work for themselves and offer freelance coaching or consultancy coaching
Risks and Challenges
Coaching can be demanding and coaches are expected to improve a team’s performance. This is not always possible, so it is essential that a coach is able to motivate sports men and women, even when they are going through a slump.
Sometimes teams may not work well together, so a good knowledge of team work is essential, but also skills in dealing with team conflict.
Unless you are able to find a full time job, coaching may not be your only job. So it can be time consuming.
Why study this course?
This course is suitable for those seeking to support people improve their performance in sports. You may have a goal to work with professional sports people; to work in schools coaching students in sports; or to work with underprivileged groups participating in sports in outreach programmes. These are just a few areas where a qualification in Sports Coaching will give you a leap in the right direction to reaching your career goals.
