Summary
Snowsport England is the lead agency in sport-specific coaching it works in partnership with clubs, facilities, schools, communities, higher and further education (HE and FE) and other training providers. Snowsport England has signed up to The UK Coaching Framework so is committed to developing a coaching system for snowsport that supports and develops coaches from all snowsport disciplines at all levels to provide participants with a high quality coaching experience. Part of the committment to developing coaching included the development of Coaching Strategy.
Approach
Following on from the coaching audit we were commissioned by Snowsport England to develop a Coaching strategy for Snowsports in England. To inform the development of the strategy, primary sources of information were identified – UK Snowsports Coaching Workforce report (2009) and key personnel within Snowsport England.
In addition discussions were had with a forum of coaches - It is important to gather information from coaches and those working in the current coaching landscape to establish the complete picture of coaching Snowsports, what works, what doesn’t and where improvements can be made. The secondary sources of information used throughout this process included the UK Coaching Framework, The Coaching Workforce 2009-2016 and Snowsport England’s Whole Sport Plan (WSP) – Snowsport England Funding Bid 2009-2013. We engaged senior decision makers, coaches and representatives from each snowsport discipline in a process of shaping the strategy.
Outcome
The new strategy will address each of the high, medium and low priorities to varying degrees over the four-year period of the strategy and will seek to meet four key outcomes:
Outcome 1: Sustained and increased levels of snowsport participation and satisfaction
Outcome 2: Increased levels of active, qualified and licensed front-line coaches to meet demand
Outcome 3: Consistent support and education for front-line coaches
Outcome 4: Improved performance in international competition.
We helped to form a Coaching Steering Group to guide and oversee the progress of the strategy. Partnership working with national agencies, committees, clubs and facilities will be undertaken.