Athlete to coach: case study series

British Athletics’ Athlete to Coach programme aims to provide athletes transitioning into coaching with the competencies required to gain a UKA accredited coaching licence.

The programme – which is open to athletes who have represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland or their Home Country as a senior – is run over five consecutive days and is made up of classroom and practical activity, plus an assessment. The process is outlined in detail on the UK Athletics website.

Athlete to Coach is not a short cut into coaching, but a bespoke programme designed to challenge the learner to shift their thinking from that of an elite athlete to one of a coach.

This short series focuses on a recent cohort of participant athletes. It asks what motivated them to apply, what they’ve learned from the process, and what advice they would share with others considering this route into coaching.

Athlete name: Johnboy Smith

Qualification awarded: Athletics Coach

“I attended the Athlete to Coach course for two reasons – my first reason was to try to help others, and the second reason was I’m hoping this will be my retirement safety net. I long to be a coach after I’ve finished competing.

“Being on the course has taught me communication skills. I’ve learned to speak less and do more. Also, don’t overthink things, that’s a must. I came into this course overthinking so much. I was quite nervous at the start, but as the days went on I got a little bit more relaxed, a little bit more confident. Take it easy, listen and learn and you’ll be absolutely fine.”