Coach Development at the University of Bristol - Coaching is crucial to the success of sport at all levels. Whether working with elite athletes or introducing children to sport for the first time, the quality of coaching is paramount. Recognising this the University has initiated a programme to develop coaches from within, for the benefit of University sports clubs and the wider community. Since 2007 this has supported coaches identified by the University's focus sports.
There is now the opportunity for any student, from any sport, to apply for support. Applications are invited for coaching bursaries to meet up to 75% of the total cost of taking a coaching or officiating qualification. Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with aspiring coaches supported to find an appropriate course and, post-qualification, supported to put their new skills and knowledge to good use through volunteer placements, mentoring and further development support.
Details and application form available to download here (PDF, 108Kb) (Word doc, 67kB)
For further details email:sport-development@bristol.ac.uk
2009 example....The University’s football clubs were very proactive in coach development during the year. Ten members of the men’s club and one member of the women’s club attended a level 1 course organised and hosted by the University and delivered by Gloucestershire Football Association. In addition, a candidate from the successful 2007 Community Sports Leaders award went on to gain a level 1 football coaching award.
Andrew Barton, University of Bristol FC; “…(I) want to take this opportunity to thank you for running and supporting the Level 1 Course. I've already found the course to be of great use, as I was able to help on a sports day run by the University for one of the local schools, an experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm delighted that the University runs and part-funds the course, especially at a time where the nation is desperate for good, young, home-taught coaches and I hope that it will be able to continue to do so. I would now definitely consider taking up an opportunity to do Level 2 were it presented, and what's more, I'm fairly sure that many of the others on the course want to take their coaching forward.”