Day Certificate included as part of induction as new coaches in Thanet begin journey

After two successful inductions the Thanet based Recruit into Coaching project can now boast over forty new community based entrants into the coaching system.

Working with a range of local partners but driven by Kent Sport, Leisure and Olympics, Thanet District Council and Ursuline College, those without any formal sports coaching qualifications were invited to attend induction sessions in January, February and March where amongst other formalities they all completed a Day Certificate in Sports Leadership.

The trainees came from a variety of different backgrounds with some already attached to local clubs. Others, including four who are currently registered unemployed, simply responded to the advert that was placed in the local press. The inductions were run as joint community/school sessions so several youngsters were present from local colleges as well ensuring a real mix of trainees.

Following the inductions the trainees were assigned mentors, set up with their own ‘activepassport’ and deployed into local clubs where they began assisting other qualified coaches with delivery. Many have already gained their first UKCC Level 1 qualification whilst others are booked onto courses in the coming months. Sports the trainees will become qualified in range from archery, football, basketball, athletics, rugby and netball.

Martyn Cassell, Chair of Thanet Sports Network, commented on the use of the Day Certificate in Sports Leadership, "The day certificate has enabled us to give new recruits a snapshot of what is involved with Sports coaching and given them the leadership qualities that many new starters would possess. Feedback from clubs and coaching course tutors alike has shown that this approach works and is likely to reduce early dropout from the coaching pathway."