The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has announced the launch of the BEF Youth Pathway Coaching Programme, supported with funding from Sport England.
This new programme, created in collaboration with the equestrian Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, is designed to develop coaches currently working within the Youth Pathways, by giving them more insight into the holistic approach to athlete development that nurtures potential from a young age.
David Hamer, Head of Performance Pathways for the World Class Programme, comments: “As part of the World Class Tokyo strategy, the development of coaches working within the Performance Pathways is an important element in ensuring we continue to maintain our status as a leading equestrian nation. Furthermore, the need to support and develop the skills of our younger athletes will be a key factor in providing a legacy for the future and this exciting new programme will help to support this.”
The 18-month programme, starting in January 2018, will invite applications from coaches within dressage, para-dressage, jumping and eventing, to partake in workshops that will cover topics including professional development, how to support and develop the young athlete's personal identity and confidence, understanding the impact of training environments and appropriate coaching strategies for the key cognitive and physical development stages. There will also be webinars ahead of the workshops to maintain engagement and encourage pre-workshop planning and support from mentor visits to observe coaching practice.
Dressage coach, Clare Moir comments: “The programme has been designed to develop specialist coaches so that they are equipped with the right skills to deliver effective coaching to our young athletes.”
Applications will open on 1 October and close on 31 October 2017 and is open to UKCC Level 3 or listed British Eventing coaches. There is no upper age restriction for coaches and para-coaches. Information on the Youth Pathway Coaching Programme can be found here. Details on how to apply will be available in due course.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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