Joe Davies

The path to becoming a level 3 coach.

I am an 18 year old aspiring coach, currently at Level 1, wishing to be a full time coach. Here are some of the stages I need to take to get there.

Introduction

Apply to get a CRB check. This will allow for a lot more job offers from places such as schools as you have been proven to be safe with children and thatyou are not a safety hazard. Here is a guide which helps you fill out the form/
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/a gencies-public-bodies/CRB/crb-applicationform-guidance/crb-applicationguidance/applicant-guidance

Stage 1 CRB check

Stage 2 Sign up for the full membership on http://SportsCoachUK.com which costs 88 but gives you insurance to cover you from anything from a sprained ankle to an amputation. It also contains the Code Of Practice.

Step 3 would be to Read the Code of Practice for Sports Coaches guidance on how to practice as a responsible, informed and enlightened coach. Also read the Coaching Top Tips Guidance written by experienced coaches on current topics, they are quick to read and easy to digest. Both of these come with the Network Membership which is free.

Stage 4 -

Stage 2 - Sign up for the Full membership on http://SportsCoachUK.com Step 3 - Read the Code of Practice

This will allow me to treat any minor injuries that may occur. It could also encourage people to hire me as they would feel safer hiring me over somebody with no First Aid Training.

Step 4 Get Basic First Aid Training

For newly qualified coaches there are certain workshops some governing bodies of sport regard as the minimum standards for deployment. sports coach UK recommends these to ensure you have the knowledge you need to carry out your role safely and effectively*. If you organise, lead or deliver any kind of sport, or are involved in the provision and delivery of sporting activities for children and young people or vulnerable adults, then Safeguarding and Protecting Children (SPC 1) is a must-attend workshop. This workshop will raise your awareness of the telltale signs of abuse and poor practice, and give you the tools you need to deal with any issues sensitively, appropriately and effectively. Perhaps youre looking at broadening your skills or your club is expanding to include a wider range of participants? If so, How to Coach Disabled People in Sport aims to answer all of your questions. Youll gain the confidence you need to plan and set up appropriate activities, tailored to suit every level of ability. Level the playing field by attending Equity in Your Coaching. Youll learn how to develop your existing skills and experience to make your coaching sessions more accessible, regardless of gender, age, race, ability, faith or sexual orientation.

If youre coaching children, why not attend Coaching the Whole Child: Positive Development Through Sport and learn how to introduce the 'C's of coaching: connection; confidence; character; creativity; caring and compassion; and competence into your sessions. Its an excellent workshop to attend early in your coaching journey. Whats more, it will enable you to develop your coaching to incorporate positive youth development into your sessions, helping you to make a more positive impact on, and enhance their experience in, sport. By attending these courses I increase my ability to coach young children, disable people and how to keep children safe. These are all unique selling points that other new coaches may not have and could decide whether somebody hires me or them.

Step 5 Attend Workshops

Chances are, not many people are going to be hiring you yet. Therefore it is essential in this time that you build up as much experience as possible. This way you will very quickly learn what techniques work, and which dont. It will also build up your confidence ready for when you are actually getting paid to coach. This could be done at any local football club.

Step 6 Get some experience!

Level Two Award in Coaching Football The next stage in coaching Building on the initial skills learnt in the Level One Certificate in Coaching Football, this course provides a deeper understanding of coaching. The course introduces new themes such as looking at different coaching styles, preparing for accidents and emergencies and understanding players nutritional needs.

Step 7 Gain a Level 2 Coaching Award

The FA Youth Award - Module One Developing the Environment Innovation in coaching young players This first of three Youth Award modules presents a child-centred approach to the development of our young players. The award recognises the important role the coach can have upon levels of motivation and self-esteem and gives practical advice to help the coaching session become an "effective environment for learning". Suitable for coaches at all levels this innovative new look at coaching will create coaches who have an understanding of children and young players as well as football. The FA Youth Award - Module Two Developing the Practice Innovation in coaching young players Building on the knowledge learnt in Module One, this course provides practical sessions and workshops that help coaches to develop practices appropriate for the age, maturity, ability and experience levels of their players. Coaches will be expected to plan, deliver and evaluate their own, and other coaches practices during the course. This second module in The FA Youth Award is most suited to club coaches who are keen to improve their own personal development as a coach of young players of any age. The FA Youth Award - Module Three Developing the Player Innovation in coaching young players The final module in The FA Youth Award, Developing the Player, continues the progressive change in coaching philosophy. Complementing the knowledge learnt on the preceding modules, this course teaches coaches to have a truly player-centred approach to the coaching and development of young players. The course comprises both practical and theory sessions. This will enhance my ability to teach the age group I plan on coaching primarily.

Step 8 Go to age specific work shops.

If I were still coaching the teams I had found at Step 6 I would try and gain my level 3 qualification.

Level Three Award in Coaching Football (The FA UEFA B Award) Understand match analysis and performance evaluation Coaches will acquire detailed coaching knowledge based on functional practices, small sided (8 v 8) games and phases of play to enhance game related understanding. This knowledge will aid them to evaluate player and team performance and set goals accordingly. Coaches will also learn how to analyse matches, assess fitness, provide a psychological evaluation of players and build on nutritional awareness.

Step 9 Gain the Level 3 qualification