Youth Pathway Coaching Programme Launched by BEF

gramme Launched by BEF

BEF invests for the future in a new Youth Pathway Coaching Programme

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has today, 6 September 2017, announced the launch of the BEF Youth Pathway Coaching Programme, supported with funding from Sport England.

This new programme, created in collaboration with the equestrian Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, is designed to develop coaches currently working within the Youth Pathways, by giving them more insight into the holistic approach to athlete development that nurtures potential from a young age.

David Hamer, Head of Performance Pathways for the World Class Programme, comments: “As part of the World Class Tokyo strategy, the development of coaches working within the Performance Pathways is an important element in ensuring we continue to maintain our status as a leading equestrian nation. Furthermore, the need to support and develop the skills of our younger athletes will be a key factor in providing a legacy for the future and this exciting new programme will help to support this.”

The 18-month programme, starting in January 2018, will invite applications from coaches within dressage, para-dressage, jumping and eventing, to partake in workshops that will cover topics including professional development, how to support and develop the young athlete’s personal identity and confidence, understanding the impact of training environments and appropriate coaching strategies for the key cognitive and physical development stages. There will also be webinars ahead of the workshops to maintain engagement and encourage pre-workshop planning and support from mentor visits to observe coaching practice.

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Dressage coach, Clare Moire comments: “The programme has been designed to develop specialist coaches so that they are equipped with the right skills to deliver effective coaching to our young athletes.”

Eventing coach, Lizzel Winter adds: “This is a unique programme that will give coaches the chance to learn from like-minded people from outside the sport about how they can develop their communication and personal skills that are essential parts of coaching in any sport. The units cover a wide range of underpinning skills that are needed beyond their technical abilities and it will help them engage better with younger riders.”

“It’s another level of learning,” says showjumping coach, Fredrik Bergendorff. “I think this will really help aspiring coaches, working within the pathway, find out more about how coaching can support a more holistic approach to rider development.”

Applications will open on 1 October and close on 31 October 2017 and is open to UKCC Level 3 or listed British Eventing coaches. There is no upper age restriction for coaches and para-coaches.

Information on the Youth Pathway Coaching Programme can be found here. Details on how to apply will be available in due course.

If you have any queries please contact Georgie Wheeler: georgie.wheeler@bef.co.uk / Tel: 02476 698904.