Information for New Coaches
Whatever your reason for wanting to be a coach, the most important quality you will need is enthusiasm. There is a great deal to learn but don't be put off. We cannot guarantee it will be easy but we know it will be rewarding and fun!
We are often asked questions about coaching. Here they are with some answers.
Can I do a coaching course even though I haven't coached before?
You could start by reading the sports coach UK's pack 'Making Sport Fun' or one or more of the Introductory Study Packs (available to purchase from the Coachwise website http://www.1st4sport.com) and perhaps attending some of our Introductory Workshops.
For details of workshops in your area, contact the sports coach UK Coaching Development Officer at your nearest Regional Training Unit.
Another avenue to take would be the 1st4sport Award in Coaching Studies. The award offers generic areas of study linked to coaching principles and coaching practise. Contact 1st4sportqualifications for details.
How do I become a football coach... or a netball coach...?
To become a qualified coach in a particular sport you will need to take the coaching awards offered by the national governing body (NGB) of the sport.
You can apply directly through a national governing body such as the Lawn Tennis Association or the Rugby Football Union. Contact your NGB for full details. Contact details for NGBs can obtained by ringing sports coach UK's Information Department on 0113 274 4802 or form Cumbria Sport on 01228 606931.
I already have some NGB coaching awards. What further training opportunities are there for me?
You could attend any number of workshops on offer through our workshop programme. The workshops cover a broad range of topics to suit your needs ranging from areas such as ethics and good practise, coaching principles and practice and fitness and training, to specialised workshops for specific populations. Details of workshops in your area, contact a sports coach UK Coaching Development Officer at your nearest Regional Training Unit.
What are the prospects of getting a full-time coaching job and what opportunities are available?
Coaching is an emerging profession and an increasing number of coaching jobs are becoming available in the public and private sectors, and in a self-employed role. There are opportunities to coach at club level, with regional governing bodies of sport (as club/senior coaches), local authorities, schools, outdoor centres, sport and leisure centres, private hotels and health centres, youth clubs and probation services.
Salary scales for full-time positions can vary between £12,000 and £20,000 per annum. Some top class coaches can earn much more. Part-time rates can also vary, depending on how many people are being coached and at what level. Hourly rates range from £6 to £20.
However, most coaches work part-time in a voluntary capacity, although some receive travel expenses. In some cases, this can lead to full-time paid work.
Details of job vacancies can be found in governing body journals, adverts in local and national newspapers and journals. Details of vacancies are also available from local authority leisure and recreation departments who tend to be the largest source of paid employment opportunities for full-time, part-time or casual coaches.