Thursday 26 February 2015

Coaching opportunities

Elite Coaching Solutions (ECS) require NGB Qualified Level 2 Coaches to deliver their varied Physical Development sessions in Bolton and Preston.

Coaches will undertake mentoring and training in the first two weeks of working with the company, to allow you to observe and be observed before moving on to delivering sessions alone.

You will then undergo coach observations on a monthly basis to aid development. Sessions include:
  • Sporting Breakfast Clubs
  • Dinnertime Intervention Clubs
  • After School Clubs (All Sports)
  • Tailored Sports Premium Curriculum Programmes (Teacher CPD, Skills Identification Programmes etc)
  • SEN Children Programmes
  • Physical Phonics
ECS have a large number of hours available for appropriate candidates. Starting salary will be £10 per hour, with a view to this increasing if the candidate matches ECS' high standards in the first three months of employment.

Coaches must have use of a vehicle, as the role involves to travel to and from venues across Preston and Bolton.

For further information please email Calum Aspen or Tel: 07738 963607.

Monday 9 February 2015

Students receive volunteer awards

Two UCLan Sports Coaching undergraduates were recently rewarded for their volunteer efforts during 2014.

Andy Hilton and Tom Storey were recognised for their excellent work, during the ceremony to launch the 10th annual Preston Sports Awards.

The pair give up their time every Saturday to conduct coaching sessions for children aged 4-13 at The Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Development Centre.

Andy hopes to use the experience as a platform to progress into coaching in the USA, and whilst Tom is currently keeping his options open he is hopeful the work will boost his future career prospects.

Senior Lecturer Cliff Olsson commented: "I'd like to pass on my congratulations to Tom and Andy. They both represent everything that outstanding coaching students should aspire to, which is to make a difference and a contribution to the communities they work in. Well done lads, you should be very proud."

Friday 6 February 2015

Coaching opportunities

Glover's Swim School have a number of Coaching roles available across Lancashire.

They require instructors who are qualified with either the Amateur Swimming Association or The Swimming Teachers Association for paid roles.

Alternatively, if anyone is looking to gain experience on a voluntary basis, Glover's would be more than happy for them to assist while gaining experience and guidance alongside their senior teachers.

For more information please email Thomas Glover.

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Warriors visits enhance UCLan partnership

Mark (centre) with Carl Cunningham & Craig Wright
Our undergraduates recently had the opportunity to engage with staff from one of the country's top sports clubs.

Wigan Warriors' duo Mark Quinn and Amanda Wilkinson came into UCLan to speak with students about their roles with the Super League giants and their experiences in the sports industry.

Mark is Warriors' Head of Sports Science and Analysis, while Amanda works as a Performance Coach and Marketing Executive.

They have both enjoyed success in their roles, with Mark having the opportunity to travel to Australia to conduct research during last year's World Club Challenge and Amanda becoming Rugby League's first-ever UKCC Level 3 Coach.

Mark said their visits helped to reinforce the relationship between UCLan and the Warriors: "It's brilliant to have the link with the University. Some of the technology they have and the ideas we can bounce off each other is invaluable.

"It's also great to be able provide opportunities for students to see what happens in a high performance environment. By discussing what goes on behind the scenes, we're able to show students how they can apply what they learn at UCLan to the real world.

"The students could also see how my trip to Australia fitted in with postgraduate study, as the research I carried out is being used towards my PhD studies."

Monday 2 February 2015

Graduate uses knockbacks as springboard to success

Turning a negative into a positive is a great skill to have, and UCLan Sports Coaching graduate Paul Cobbe is a shining example of what can be done if you master it.

Paul's passion for sport developed at an early age, and he was always destined to pursue a sporting educational pathway. After his efforts to secure PGCE placements proved unsuccessful, Paul spent some time as a Fitness Instructor before joining our Sports Coaching Master's programme.

Paul said this was the catalyst in providing him with an abundance of learning capabilities and developmental opportunities he was not previously aware of.

"In hindsight, my perceived 'failure' to obtain a placement was a blessing in disguise," he said. "My time spent at UCLan can be best described as inspirational and fulfilling.

"Through academic and practical based sessions delivered by knowledgeable and highly experienced personnel, I obtained an array of skills and attributes that have truly unearthed my potential as a sports educationalist.

"Formative discussions, peer-assessment, tutorial support and the availability of online resources are just some examples which encouraged me to think independently and reflect critically."

During his time on the course, Paul became more aware of his strengths and abilities by developing strategies that allowed him to adapt and contribute meaningful behaviours towards positive outcomes.

He improved aspects of his communication skills during a Performance Analysis module which he says helped him understand how and why he behaved in certain ways in a variety of situations.

"I'm now aware of how specific actions can influence the behaviour of others whom I ultimately hope to persuade within the coaching process," said Paul. "The programme has allowed me to deal more comfortably with the various personalities and types of people I interact with.

"I see all problems as a challenge and I'm willing to push my capabilities, whilst taking the time to critically and effectively reflect upon my actions. I believe I've yet to reach my potential – both as an individual and as a sporting practitioner.

"The course presents an ideal opportunity for anyone willing to enrich their own skills, attributes, knowledge and experiences.

"Given the complex and multi-faceted domain of coaching, I'd advise anyone considering the course to be willing to interpret all forms of feedback in a positive manner, so you can become a self-critical and reflective practitioner. Be willing to accept criticism and be open to advice from others."

Since completing his Master's, Paul has secured a role as a Sports Tutor for Liverpool-based vocational training company, Cornerstone.

Having seen previous plans fall by the wayside, Paul has now adopted a 'what's meant to be will be' mentality. PhD research or the completion of his football coaching badges are just two of his future options, but Paul is currently happy with the path his career has taken.

He said: "The learning experience at UCLan has provided me with an array of tools and skills necessary for me to adapt and successfully contribute to whatever task I'm presented with.

"Whether I enjoy success or failure in the future, I'll take what I can from the experience and move onto the next hurdle that life presents me with 'no loss of enthusiasm' – as famously reinforced by Winston Churchill."