The UK Action Plan for Coaching

There has never been a more exciting time for sport and coaching in the UK. The successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London has provided an uplifting impetus and direction for the entire sports system. The Games promise to be an unforgettable experience, marking an all-time high in the history of British sport.

Sports coaches across the UK will play a pivotal role in delivering the long-term legacy that was such a powerful feature of the Olympic bid. Young athletes and high performers hoping to compete at the Games are already working with their coaches on a daily basis. Coaches are also working at school, club and regional level to provide the skills to children, players and athletes so that they can follow the sporting pathway of their choice be it that of recreational enjoyment or the chance to win Olympic gold!

The recruitment, retention and support of even more quality coaches is crucial if we are to create a sporting legacy that goes beyond the London 2012 Olympics. Now is the time to begin the work which will not only deliver medals in 2012, but which will ensure that the UK has a sporting system which is the envy of the world by 2016.

sports coach UK, the lead organisation for the development of coaches in the UK, has worked closely with partners such as DCMS, UK Sport, the Home Country Sports Councils and national governing bodies of sport to develop The UK Action Plan for Coaching (UKAPC). The UKAPC will construct a cohesive, ethical and valued coaching system where:

Children, players and athletes are supported by skilled coaches, at all stages of their development
Is number one on the world by 2016 though benchmarking against international best practice.

The UKAPC involved extensive research and consultation with partners, coaches, athletes and parents to ensure that it targets the needs of the sporting industry and the nation. In Suffolk, a number of interviews were completed with coaches, parents and players, and a focus group was held with students from the Denes High School in Lowestoft. The findings from these interviews contributed to a draft proposal detailing an ambitious but attainable plan over 3, 7 and 11 years was signed off at the UK Coaching Summit in April 2006. Delegates attended this event from sporting organisations across the UK as well as Minister for Sport The Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP.

The UKAPC will deliver the following positive outcomes for sport in the UK:

Enhance the quality of coaching available
Increase the number of qualified coaches working across the UK
Sustain and increase participation in sport
Improve performances
Build a cohesive and World-leading Coaching System
Establish coaching as a profession, recognising volunteer, part-time and full-time roles

These outcomes will ensure that sport is well positioned to contribute to a number of key government objectives relating to quality of life; health; education; social inclusion; child protection; respect; volunteering; preparation for the Olympics/Paralympics and the promotion of positive social behaviour.

Coaching is a catalyst for positive change within the United Kingdom. Sports coaches help children, players and athletes to follow their dreams, have fun and fulfil their potential. Coaching enhances quality of life, promotes fair play and builds social cohesion. Throughout the four nations of the UK, coaching plays a powerful role in developing leadership and teamwork, transforming organisations and changing individual behaviour. The UK Action Plan for Coaching will help to realise our dreams of success at 2012 and to create a legacy that stretches well beyond. Great coaches...great sport.

More details on the UK Action Plan for Coaching are available at www.sportscoachuk.org