We use cookies to give you the best experience and to help improve our website. By using our website you are accepting our cookies.  Learn More

30 Jan 2025 63

Young Coaches Deliver Glowing Verdict on UK Coaching’s Coach Learning Programme

We visited Silver Jubilee Park in Hendon to speak with the inaugural cohort of students who completed the Coach Learning Programme (CLP). This programme was integrated into the first year of their Coaching Degree course at UCFB Wembley. The students’ unanimous verdict: the CLP provided an immersive learning journey, offering a comprehensive insight into the art of great coaching.

The rain at Silver Jubilee Park came down in torrents. At times it felt Biblical. And while we wouldn’t be so presumptive as to infer that the learning in the CLP is also heaven-sent, the first group of learners to complete UK Coaching’s innovative and interactive programme certainly have faith in it.  Their testimonials in our video case study speak volumes.

Last academic year, Coaching Degree students from UCFB Wembley earned their CLP Certificate, which formed a core part of their 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching qualification.

Now, as the new academic year begins, these students faced a new challenge: planning and conducting a coaching session for the incoming first-year students.

This task was designed to showcase the skills and knowledge they had acquired through the CLP.

The results were nothing short of impressive.

Their stories, captured in the video, reveal a transformative experience that underscores the profound impact and value of the six modules comprising the CLP – the first programme of its kind in the sector.

It’s immersive and practical approach has clearly paid off, as evidenced by the students’ ability to deliver engaging and impactful coaching sessions. 

Just a year ago, there is no way on earth these students would have had the confidence to lead such a session,” says Darren Smith, founder and Director of Coaching XChange and Programme Leader for Football Coaching & Management at UCFB Wembley. 

As a licensed partner of UK Coaching – and a 1st4sport approved centre – Coaching XChange agreed to be CLP pioneers as the first organisation to deliver the programme to learners. 

A select group of students from UCFB Wembley were chosen to embark on this new unique learning pathway as part of the industry-recognised Level 2 qualification, which on completion allows coaches to coach independently. 

The evidence of their transformation underscores the CLP’s effectiveness in cultivating confident, competent coaches; an invaluable tool in shaping the next generation of coaches.

From classroom to pitch: Bringing coaching theory to life

The workshops that Darren and his team of tutors delivered for the CLP combined face-to-face and interactive activities, which were then brought to life on the pitch and in the sports hall. 

“This approach helped us cover the technical and tactical aspects while linking back to the CLP workshops,” says Darren.

It effectively taught students about the role of the coach and helped them develop their own ideas and philosophy. I would say the CLP advanced their learning considerably.

“I particularly like the fact it offers a continuous learning approach. It enables reflection on their journey and the environments they work in. The support from tutors, workshops, and online tools ensures they can practice, reflect, and review effectively.”

Technical specifications and benefits of the CLP

The CLP Certificate is a comprehensive package that certifies learners have met the industry-recognised CIMSPA Coach Standard, facilitating their successful entry into the coaching profession. 

The programme allows organisations – such as National Governing Bodies, universities or colleges – to concentrate on delivering the practical elements and core technical and tactical modules, saving them both time and money in developing a Level 2 coaching qualification curriculum.

If you don’t want to deliver the CLP as part of the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching qualification, there are two flexible options available:

  1. CPD Option: Offer CLP as individual modules or combine the entire CLP programme, which includes eLearning, Workshops, and Skill Guides, to offer a comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) experience, while allowing learners to build their knowledge and skills incrementally, much like assembling Lego blocks, to suit their specific needs and schedules.
  2. CPD with Assessment: Deliver the CLP as a CPD programme with an additional assessment component to validate the learning outcomes. This learner journey can also be used to achieve in-house awards and meet CIMSPA’s Coach Professional Standard, providing a robust learning pathway for coaches.

The robustness of the CLP ensures that all foundational aspects are covered, providing the essential ‘nuts and bolts’ while allowing the delivering organisation to add the technical and tactical components. 

This hybrid learning model features handpicked, bespoke content that can be easily tailored to fit any sport, environment, and coaching style.

Designed for flexibility, the CLP enables coaches to learn at their own time, place, and pace, ensuring no stone is left unturned in their development. 

This approach not only saves on development costs but also guarantees that students are fully equipped to apply their coaching skills practically and effectively in the industry.

Next Steps

Find out more about the Coach Learning Programme in our Pilot Pack. 

DOWNLOAD IT HERE

Organisations interested in delivering the programme as a licensed partner should e-mail [email protected].

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Stay Connected. Join the Club.

Join UK Coaching Club for the latest #GreatCoaching news, tips and offers delivered straight to your inbox, access to our Duty to Care digital badge and much more!

Register for Free