UK Coaching Framework

The UK Coaching Framework

There has never been a more exciting time for sport and coaching in the UK. The prospect of hosting the Olympic and Paralymic Games in 2012 has provided an uplifting impetus and direction for the entire sports system.

The recruitment and support of current and subsequent coaches is crucial if we are to create a sporting legacy that goes beyond the 2012 Games. Now is the time to begin the work that will not only deliver medals at 2012 but which will ensure that the UK has a sporting system that is the envy of the world by 2016.

The system should provide high-quality sport opportunities for children, players and athletes at all stages of their development. They should be supported by qualified coaches working within a supportive structure at club, school, regional and national level. There should be a pathway for every child in sport that provides them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams, guided by their choices and capabilities. Investment in coaching will reap rich dividends in terms of sporting participation, healthy lifestyles and sporting success.

In order to take up this challenge sports coach UK was tasked at the end of 2005 to develop a UK Coaching Framework (formerly The UK Action Plan for Coaching) in partnership with governing bodies' of sport and the key funding agencies: UK Sport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Home Country Sports Councils, the Department for Education and Skills, the British Olympic Association, Youth Sport Trust and SkillsActive.

A wide-ranging process of consultation was undertaken which spanned all of 2006 and someway into 2007. The findings of which will form the UK Coaching Framework and identify clear targets to further enhance coaching in the UK.

The Vision

The vision outlined in the Framework is to create a cohesive, ethical, inclusive and valued coaching system where skilled coaches support children, adults, players and athletes at all stages of their development in sport, and that is world-leading by 2016.

The UK Coaching Framework aims to:

clearly map out the key goals, structures, resources and outcomes for the UK Coaching Framework (UKCF) over three main phases: 2005-2008 (three years from start date), 2009-2012 (seven years from start date) and 2013-2016 (11 years from start date)
identify and agree the specific role to be played by sports coach UK as the gevernment-designated support/technical agency for coaching
identify and agree the optimal working arrangements between sports coach UK and key partners in government and governing bodies' of sport
identify and agree the processes and procedures required in order for sports coach UK to provide relevant, cutting-edge services, products and systems that support the coaching process at all levels.

Phases

Building The Foundations (3 years: 2006-2008)
Delivering the Goals (7 years: 2006-2012)
Transforming the System (11 years: 2006-2016)

Strategic Action Areas

There are 5 strategic action areas supported by 12 specific actions outlined below:

THE UK COACHING SYSTEM

Specific Action 1: The UK Coaching Model

Specific Action 2: Participant Pathways

Specific Action 3: Coach Pathways

Specific Action 4: Coaching Strategies

FRONT-LINE COACHING

Specific Action 5: Active, skilled and qualified coaches

Specific Action 6: Coaching in Education

SUPPORT FOR COACHES

Specific Action 7: Coaching support and system delivery

Specific Action 8: Targeted development of coaches

Specific Action 9: Coaching Qualifications & CPD

A PROFESSIONALLY REGULATED VOCATION

Specific Action 10: Licensing & Registration

Specific Action 11: Profile & recognition of coaching

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Specific Action 12: Research & development

To download the executive summary of the UK Coaching Framework please log onto www.sportscoachuk.org.

For further information please contact Sarah Williams on 01483 518957 or email sarah.williams@surreycc.gov.uk

Page Last Updated: Wednesday 28th May 2008