UK Coaching Helps Shape New High Performance Coaching Strategy
News by UK Coaching
We set out our leadership role in shaping and enabling a new collective High Performance Coaching Strategy, bringing partners together to build a more connected, coherent and sustainable system for coaching success.
We are proud to support the development and delivery of a collective High Performance Coaching Strategy, created in partnership with the Home Nation Sport Councils, UK Sport, and CIMSPA.
This shared strategy sets out an ambitious vision to "power success and inspire impact by supporting and valuing coaches in their pursuit of craft." It recognises coaches as both people and performers, and places them at the heart of a thriving high-performance system.
As a partner in its development, and a leader within the system, we are committed to delivering against its ambition and helping shape and enable the environment in which it succeeds.
A shared vision for high-performance coaching
This strategy aligns with our belief that great coaching underpins performance success and positive sporting experiences.
Coaching is at the centre of a thriving high-performance system, with a clear emphasis on wellbeing and continuous development. It highlights the importance of creating environments where coaches are supported to refine their practice and be recognised for their contribution.
For us, this signals an important step forward in building a sustainable high-performance system. One that supports coaches to perform and thrive.
A system built on five pillars
Five interconnected pillars strengthen and align the high-performance system.
Together, they provide a strong foundation for a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready system.
System Alignment
Improving coherence, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and enabling effective system-wide collaboration
Thriving Coaching Workforce
Attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and representative coaching community
Coaching Practice
Creating environments and learning cultures that support coaches to continually refine and apply their craft
Professional Recognition
Advancing coaching as a respected and valued profession, with clearer pathways and standards
UK Coaching’s role in shaping and enabling the system
Our role is to bring partners together to build capability and create the right conditions for coaches and coach developers to succeed over the long term. We focus on strengthening the system, so it is well connected, clear, and works effectively now and in the future.
We help shape how high-performance coaching works by setting a shared direction, bringing people together, and turning plans into practical action.
We are inviting Talent and Performance Pathway Leads to join a cross-sport session to explore what the new 2032 High-Performance Coaching Strategy could mean in practice. Together, we will look at shared challenges and opportunities, and whether there is value in creating ongoing opportunities for shared learning and support.
Connect and align the system
We will work with partners across the UK to interpret what the strategy means in different contexts, aligning effort, reducing duplication, and strengthening collective impact.
Strengthen the coaching workforce
Our coach development programmes and support platforms will build capability, support progression, and improve consistency of practice across high-performance sport.
Support a more diverse and inclusive workforce
We will lead targeted initiatives to increase representation and create equitable opportunities across the coaching pathway, including dedicated support for female coaches and underrepresented groups.
Advance the professionalisation of coaching and coach development
We will lead on developing clearer pathways and aligning provision to professional standards. Embedding wellbeing, learning, and recognition is key to strengthening the coach development workforce.
Driving impact across the system
These areas of focus are key as we support partners to create environments where coaches are better connected, better supported, and better prepared to meet the demands of high-performance sport.
Our ambition is to help shape a system that delivers success on the world stage in a way that is sustainably people centred.
Working together to deliver change
Progress will come through collective effort.
By working together across the system - sharing insight, aligning ambition, and strengthening how we support coaches - we can maximise the impact of this strategy.
We will continue to support organisations to identify opportunities, align effort, and drive meaningful change. Together, we can create a high-performance coaching system where coaches thrive and athletes and sport can succeed as a result.