Sports Coaching Bursary Programme

Cardiff University Sport and Exercise department is currently launching a Sports Coaching Bursary Programme. The first programme will be delivered from February until June 2008 and the aim is for 2 or 3 students to be supported at the outset of their career in sports coaching.

The main objectives of the programme are to encourage individuals to progress within coach qualification pathways and to assist the development of existing qualified coaches through additional, higher level awards and courses. It is anticipated this will allow the selected students to gain paid and voluntary experience whilst working within Sport Cardiff, National Governing Bodies, the University Athletic Union and local schools (via The Student Volunteering Council).

A Community Chest Grant has been secured from the Sports Council for Wales which will be used to offset up to 50% of the cost of relevant coaching courses and associated expenses. The stipulations on any successful applicant are that they must willing to join the Sport Cardiff coaches pool for their respected sport and be actively coaching within the community or within their AU team. It is essential aspiring sports coaches are organised, good communicators, good leaders, confident and can manage their time well and hence these traits will be beneficial to any student interested in being part of this programme.

Successful applicants will benefit from the programme by gaining National Governing Body qualifications, increasing their potential to earn extra income as a student, enhancing their CV and developing leadership and communication skills. Previous sports coaching experience and qualifications will be advantageous but are not necessary and all sports will be considered.

The programme will be managed by the Sports Development Co-ordinator who will liaise with internal and external organisations to place the students onto relevant courses and into the right environment to gain valuable experiences as a coach. A pilot programme is currently ongoing and it is hoped further funding will be secured in order to start a full programme during the 2008-2009 academic year. if you have any queries regarding this please contact the Sports Development Co-ordinator.

Aims and Objectives of the Sports Coaching Programme

Aim

To enable structured support to individuals enabling them to progress their career as a sports coach and succeed academically while providing a service for the local community and the University Athletic Union.

Objectives

• To encourage individuals to progress within coach qualification pathways.
• To work with internal and external partners assist the development of existing qualified coaches through additional, higher level awards and courses.
• To provide opportunities for the selected students to gain paid and voluntary experience whilst working within Sport Cardiff, National Governing Bodies, the University Athletic Union and local schools (via The Student Volunteering Council).
• To provide a service for the local community.
• To aid improvement of BUSA rankings.