16th September 2014

Female Coaching Legacy Programme

16 September 2014

British Athletics in association with the Women in Coaching Advisory Group (BA WCAG) are seeking applications for the third year of the British Athletics Female Coach Legacy Programme (BA FCLP). The programme has now been through two successful cycles and has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of the participants involved, giving each candidate an enjoyable and challenging experience, tailored to their individual training needs. The application process for the programme is now open and we are looking for suitable applicants to apply for the 2014/2015 programme. We have included the Application Form and Personal Specification for your information.

The primary aim of this programme is to support the development of a group of female coaches, providing them with the confidence, knowledge and skills to help develop athletes at the high performance level. The programme will sit alongside and aims to complement the current Local and National Coach Development programmes available in each Home Country and sports coach UK, whilst assisting the further professional development of females unable to access development opportunities through their own Home Country System.

Recent analysis of coaching data shows an accentuated drop off in coaching numbers when men and women are compared in relation to increased coaching standard, with few females coaching at the highest level. The programme aims to:
• Provide an obvious stepping stone in the female coaching career pathway
• Act at the same time to raise the standard, number and profile of high-level female coaches
• Provide coaches with the tools to work with athletes to take them to a higher level of performance

Here’s what some of this year’s Graduates had to say about their experience on the programme…..

“The FCLP provided me with an insightful, challenging but supportive environment in which to learn and grow alongside like-minded females. Although difficult to do at the time, writing a Training Needs Analysis was highly beneficial and has been further developed into my own Personal Development Plan. Perhaps more importantly, the FCLP has re-instated my confidence as a coach. This has enabled me to recognise that I do have a unique skill-set and that I am good at what I do. I have also formed some great friendships.” Alison O’Riordan- FCLP Graduate 2014

“Having now completed the programme, the overwhelming feeling is that of a huge boost to my confidence, the knowledge that I have made some wonderful coaching friends, and that it has given me a big push forward to become a better coach.” Caroline Price- FCLP Graduate 2014

“The workshops were brilliant and were led by some successful coaches and speakers who covered various topics such as personal development, coaching philosophy, sports injuries, strength training, video analysis and many more relevant subjects. I gained invaluable knowledge from these sessions and a real insight into the importance of having a strong supportive network in my quest to becoming a more effective successful coach and a role model for other female coaches.” Veronica Boden- FCLP Graduate 2014

“The FCLP Team were superb …enthusiastic, supportive, challenging and full of knowledge, experience and information to share with us. Topics ranging from Coaching Philosophy, to Strength and Conditioning, from Pre Championship preparation and elite level Warm ups, to Psychological Learning Preferences and Coaching Styles, and more.” Sally Straw- FCLP Graduate 2014

If you have the motivation to take a step towards coaching at a high performance level and feel that the BA FCLP could assist you in doing so we would like to welcome your application. Applications should be returned to Katy Reading kreading@britishathletics.org.uk via email (preferably) or alternatively post to BA FCLP, C/O Katy Reading, British Athletics, Athletics House, Alexander Stadium, Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 2BE.

Please note applications close at 4pm on Friday 19th September 2014.

Click here for the FCLP personal specification.

Click here for the FCLP application form.