Learn how to develop an inclusive and welcoming environment that meets individual needs
Why do I need to know about environments?
A high-quality coaching environment transforms the experience for everyone involved, from participants and coaches to members of the wider support network. This is an environment that is enjoyable and provides diverse experiences with the aim of developing well-rounded individuals, and that makes everyone feel valued, supported and welcome.
When creating an appropriate and supportive environment for the people you coach, you must consider their wider developmental needs, and how you can create opportunities for them to take ownership of their own development. You'll also need to consider how you can provide support and assistance to their support networks.
By taking a person-centred approach, you can develop a rich environment that meets individual needs through inclusive and welcoming practice. Importantly, it should be challenging and supportive: an essential combination that helps participants thrive. It's also important for it to be flexible, as development isn't linear, and you'll need to allow for multiple entry and exit transitions.
Finally, a long-term focus that prioritises the development and growth of individuals over winning and immediate success is critical, as this helps to create an environment that celebrates an individual's potential over performance, giving them the confidence to experiment, learn from their experiences, and develop as people and participants.
Below, discover the pillars of this theme to aid your understanding of environment. You'll also find UK Coaching Club membership details with which you can unlock access to the resources of the Coach Learning Framework.
Holistic Coaching
Learn how to create an environment where you consider and pay attention to the individual's personal, emotional, social, psychological, physical and cognitive needs
Development Journeys
Discover how to establish a firm foundation for progression and support participants through talent identification, selection and development
Values and Culture
Consider the values that you want to underpin your sessions, strategies for communicating these with your participants and how to establish cultural expectations, ensuring that you receive buy-in from everyone you coach
Communication Techniques
Discover the keys to consistent and effective communication with your participants, coaching team and support network
Developing Independent Participants
Explore ways to support independent thinking and to encourage behaviours key to success
Transitions
Learn how to support your participants through challenging transitions, empowering lifelong involvement in sport and physical activity
UK Coaching Club
As a UK Coaching Club Member, you'll be able to dive into the essentials of each theme for free. This includes the insightful 9-theme 'Guides', engaging 'Coaching Conversations', and our 'Kickstarters' designed to get your coaching off to a flying start.
Framework Guide
With this comprehensive guide, you'll discover how to create an environment with the aim of developing well-rounded individuals, and that makes everyone feel valued, supported and welcome
READ THE GUIDE
Coaching Conversations
Watch coaches share their lived experiences, offering real-life examples and strategies to help you immediately grasp the theme of ‘understanding your environment’ and enhance your ability to foster independence in your participants
WATCH THE VIDEOS
Kickstarter
Download activities that invite you to reflect, consider, and try out new approaches to help you understand the environment you work in
DOWNLOAD THE ACTIVITIESUK Coaching Club Premium Membership
Coach Learning Framework
Continue your journey through the framework to learn more about the other eight themes and the key attributes of high-quality coaching environments, and how you can demonstrate the skills, qualities and behaviours that will empower the people you coach to achieve their personal goals.