National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence welcomes applications for 2021/22

Take your coaching career to the next level!

Yesterday (Monday 7th June) marked the start of National Coaching Week and what better day to launch applications for the 2021/22 National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence, which comes under the stewardship of British Dressage (BD) for the first time.

A 12 month personal development programme, the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence is aimed at ambitious coaches in all disciplines working with adult and young people who ride for recreation and competitive purposes. However, this is a learning programme like no other.

BD are looking for coaches across the industry from all member bodies, who are dedicated to bringing new riders to the sport and keep them motivated through inspirational coaching with a modern approach.

Charlotte Osborne, British Dressage’s Training and Education Manager commented;

The National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence has previously been coordinated by our colleagues in British Showjumping (BS), who have done an amazing job in establishing this fabulous initiative. We will continue to work closely with BS, British Equestrian and the members of Coaching Development Action Team to further build on its success.

We are excited to take on the challenge of delivering an exciting, engaging and inspiring development programme aimed at coaches who are, and aspire to be, high performing within a participation environment. Coaches are an essential part of our wider workforce, providing essential training and support to our members, helping them to achieve their aspirations, and increase rider’s enjoyment of the sport. We look forward to welcoming the 2021/22 cohort to the programme.”

What are the aims of the National Development Programme for Coaching Excellence?

• To recognise the importance of high performing coaches working with riders at a recreational level
• To use research and case studies from within and outside of equestrian sport to inform coaching practice
• To support coaches to reflect and review their own performance and set personal development plans
• To develop coaches with expertise that can influence coaching programmes that improve rider experiences. 

What does the programme cover?

Key to the success of the programme is the coaches involved. While certain topics are included, content is driven by the coaches’ wants and needs. Typical content includes:

• Use of video apps to support learning and plan coaching programmes
• Motivation and positive behaviour change
• Identifying and developing coaching excellence
• Contemporary coaching tools and models
• Performing under pressure, emotional resilience and mental toughness
• Building self-awareness in the coach; self-reflection and video analysis of own coaching
• Developing a deeper understanding of personal values and philosophy
• Input from a highly regarded ‘participation’ coach from another sport
• Developing a personal brand
• Effective use of social media.

What attributes should applicants have?

The High Performing Recreational Coach criteria outlines what we’re looking for in coaches who take part:

• Ability to think innovatively and put ideas into action
• Able to build strong relationships with riders and between riders
• Able to establish and maintain a positive environment for rider
• Aid the development of riders on an individual basis and are perceptive to their needs and wants
• Build and sustain riders love of the sport and their involvement
• Establish and maintain a culture of enjoyment
• Show a commitment to on-going learning and personal development
• Act as an ambassador for the sport and positively influence the development of programmes to improve rider and driver experiences
• Understand participant pathways into and across equestrian sports.

Who should apply?

• Coaches wanting to improve their own performance and be interested in supporting recreational competitions
• Coaches with UKCC level 3 qualification or equivalent
• Coaches demonstrating a degree of high performing criteria.

What does the programme will involve?

• An eight month programme with eight contact days
• A mix of seminar and practical workshops
• A group of up to 20 coaches to be involved from across a range of equestrian disciplines.
• Starting in Autumn 2021
• The cost for the programme is £500 which is 50% funding by Sport England and 50% self-funded, which is payable in two instalments.
• All places will be allocated following an interview process – 2021 interviews will take place the week commencing 6 September.

When are the workshop days?

• Workshop 1 & 2 w/c 23 – 28 November 2021
• Workshop 3 & 4 w/c 3 – 7 January 2022
• Workshop 5 & 6 w/c 7-11 February 2022
• Workshop 7 & 8 w/c 21 – 25 March 2022.

What’s the application process?

Application to this programme is via an application form, retrieved via email. Please look closely at the criteria for the high-performing grassroots coach so that you are able to show how you currently demonstrate some of these. Download, complete and return the form to Viki Dicesare, either via email or post to Viki Dicesare, British Dressage Meriden Business Park, Copse Drive, Meriden, West Midlands, CV5 9RG. The deadline for applications is midnight on 9 August 2021.

If you would like further information on this programme and the opportunities it provides, please call Viki Dicesare on 02476 698833 or email viki.dicesare@britishdressage.co.uk.