Cymryd Rhan

Welsh Athletics are pleased to announce the application process for the 2nd year of our Athlete to Coach Programme, is now open .This  programme is aimed at encouraging current, and former, Senior Welsh representative athletes to become proficient and confident coaches, with an ambition to become one of a next generation of World Class coaches.

"Welsh Athletics is committed to supporting the development of the next generation of coaches across Wales. We have been guilty in the past of allowing athletes to drift away from the sport once their competitive days are finished. This will no longer be the case, we want to retain our talent, and hopefully use their experiences to help develop the next generation of athletes. I hope in the years to come we see a number of athletes who have competed at the highest level, supporting the development of future Commonwealth Games athletes across all parts of the pathway.

 

Welsh Athletics will do all it can to retain the talent, and retain the experiences and help to develop a wider coaching network across Wales."

James Williams, CEO

With many athletes possessing a high level of technical expertise in their own area, the programme aims to:

• Value and acknowledge the commitment and achievement in their Sport.
• Introduce, develop and embed an understanding of the coaching process.
• Support an accelerated but robust transition from athlete to coach.

This opportunity will enable athletes to develop and progress as a qualified coach, and reinvest their knowledge and skills in nurturing the next generation of athletes through the Welsh club system and Welsh Athletics Development Programmes.

Individuals who can evidence a commitment to coaching, and have competed at a senior level for Wales, can apply to be part of this programme. *Individuals who are currently Coaching Assistant qualified coaches are eligible to apply for the programme.

Benefits of the programme

• Funded support to become a qualified Athletics Coach.
• Become an ambassador for the Athlete to Coach Programme.
• Development support from Welsh Athletics Coach Development Coordinator and Event Group NTDCs in relation to cpd.
• Opportunities to support ongoing development of athletes on a Performance Pathway; Regional & National Development activity where appropriate.

Application Process

Applications close on at 12pm on Aug 17th. If you would like to apply to be part of this opportunity, please complete the application form. Once applications have closed, applicants will be contacted by Zoe Brown (WA Coach Development Manager) to arrange a zoom conversation.

If you are selected for the WA supported development opportunity you will need to be available to attend;

1. Virtual programme orientation on Sep 4th (7-8pm)
2.  3 x 2hr (6-8pm) online development workshops; 23rd Oct, 4th Dec, Feb 12th
3.  The qualification/course attendance has more flexibility and there will be multiple opportunities within our WA delivery calendar. In September we are delivering Coaching Assistants and LiRFs nationwide. This will be a great opportunity for candidates to take their first step on their coaching journey.
4. Throughout the programme candidates will be encouraged to explore their emerging coaching process, knowledge and skills by actively coaching. This can take the form of support coaching in a school, club or regional development environment. This does not require a weekly commitment. However, to get the most out of the programme it is recommendation that all successful applicants have an outlet to practice their coaching.

If you would like to apply to be part of this opportunity, please complete the application form. For more information email to zoe.brown@welshathletics.org