This course is an introduction to coaching skills, with a major emphasis on the how to skills rather than the what skills.  Despite this there is a large practical element to the course with the theory being taught through the practical parts.  During the course the coach will receive a complete manual of the course and following on from the course they will be entered onto the UK Athletics Coach database.  A Coach pass and licence will be produced and will be sent out to the coach usually within 8 weeks of the course.  As soon as the course has been completed the coach is qualified and insured to coach under the supervision of a coach qualified at Level 2 or higher.

The course is one day long (normally 9.00 until 5.00) and costs £50.

This course follows on from the Level 1 course.  The core part of the award is taken by coaches of all disciplines and goes into greater depth on topics such learning styles, how to use questioning and give feedback in your coaching, how to use demonstrations appropriately, how to most effectively observe and analyse athletes you are coaching.  At the same times topics such as planning a session, anatomy and physiology, strength training, development of power, teaching technique are all covered.   Following on from the core, coaches go through a period of supported practice during which they will work with a more experienced coach.  Some of these sessions will be logged and coaches are encouraged to reflect on what they have learnt.  The final part of the award is an event specific day, when a coach will decide which event group they would like to specialise in (e.g. Sprints, Endurance, Jumps and Throws).  This is a half-day session where coaches can expect to learn about the specific techniques involved in the events and how to coach them.  During the final half-day session the coaches are assessed while they deliver a short coaching session that they have prepared previously.

Once all of the parts have been completed to a satisfactory level you will be upgraded to a Level 2 coach and should receive a new pass and licence to reflect this within approximately 8 weeks.

The core workshop takes place over 2 days (usually over one weekend)

The event specific day/assessment day is one full day (It usually takes place approximately 8 weeks after the core weekend has been completed).

The cost for the complete course is £120, the cost of any additional event specific days is £30

The Level 3 Coaching Award is suitable for those who are working with athletes on a regular basis and are looking to improve their coaching and planning skills, whilst developing a greater understanding of what contributes to athletic performance both in general and with reference to a specific event or group of events.

Level 3 comprises of four phases that coaches must complete along with their own choice of optional module. Further information relating to these is illustrated on the Coaching Pathway.

Completion of Level 3 is by written and practical assessment; coaches must expect Level 3 to take a minimum of 12 months to complete.

To find out when the next course is taking place please click here.  We are planning to arrange the various phases at set times of the year to make it easier for coaches to plan their development.  They will be as follows:

Phase 1 Autumn

Phase 2 Spring

Phase 4 Autumn

Course Costs

Phase 1 - £80

Phase 2 - £80

Phase 4 - £80

The Level 4 Coaching Award is aimed at those coaches who are committed to helping the athletes that they work with realise their potential and the management of this process.

Level 4 comprises of four phases that coaches must complete along with their own choice of optional modules. Further information relating to these is illustrated on the Coaching Pathway.

Completion of the Level 4 is by written and practical assessment; coaches must expect Level 4 to take a minimum of 18 months to complete.

To find out when the next course is taking place please click here.  We are planning to arrange the various phases at set times of the year to make it easier for coaches to plan their development.  They will be as follows:

Phase 1 Autumn

Phase 2 Spring

Technical Event Module Autumn

Course Costs

Phase 1 - £80

Phase 2 - £80

Phase 4 - £80

This course is designed for people who are involved in leading groups of children (aged 8-13) taking part in athletics type activity. It introduces various athletics type activities that are appropriate as an introduction to the full athletics events for children. It helps leaders to make sure that sessions they are taking are fun, create maximum involvement and are safe for all concerned. The organisational and planning elements of running such group sessions are covered. It covers topics such as the responsibility of the coach when running sessions with growing children.

The course will help coaches to:
- Deliver safe, enjoyable and well organised sessions that maximise involvement
- Plan, deliver and evaluate a series of sessions appropriate to the age/stage of the children
- Develop fundamental movement skills appropriate to the age/stage of the children
- Experience a range of athletic activities for children
- Identify your responsibilities when working with children