British Athletics’ Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme offers a unique opportunity for applicants to gain a UKA accredited coaching licence.

The programme – which is aimed at identifying, assessing, and confirming the competencies a learner has obtained from other sources – enables applicants to be recognised against British Athletics’ coaching competencies.

RPL is not a coaching qualification course, but a pathway that can lead to an individual becoming an accredited coach. Applicants gather and submit evidence to support their application, which is then reviewed by an assigned assessor. The process is outlined in detail on the UK Athletics website.

This short series highlights a range of individuals from varied backgrounds who have successfully completed the RPL programme. It asks what motivated them to apply, where it might lead, and what advice they would share with others considering this pathway.

Applicant’s story: Becca Bruce

Qualification awarded: Athletics Coach Endurance

“I first read about the RPL programme on the British Athletics website when I was doing some research about athletics coaching qualifications. My motivation to apply was primarily driven by the fact that I wanted to help out a friend and her coaching team, while at the same time trying to further develop my own skill set.

“My prior experience of athletics coaching was limited, although I learned the basics while I was studying for an HND in Sports Coaching and Development, before going on to achieve a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science.

“I do have coaching experience in other sports, however – I’m a UKCC Level 3 accredited tennis coach with a decade of experience at my local club and in schools. Over that period I’ve worked with athletes of all ages, standards and abilities including ‘Rusty Rackets’ (adults ranging from young mums to older adults who are either beginners, or who haven’t played for years but want to get back into the game), cardio tennis and wheelchair tennis.

“I started the RPL process during lockdown in 2020 as my other work – primarily tennis coaching and multi-sports coaching in schools, as well as some agency cookery jobs – had dried up due to coronavirus restrictions and I needed a challenge. I found it much easier and more enjoyable than I anticipated. I got myself a bit stressed out at first after reading the programme description and requirements, but I was worrying when I didn’t need to! I thought there would be a lot more back and forth between the assessor and me, and I was worrying about the assessment process and whether my plans would come to fruition, but the feedback I received was very positive.

“Overall, I really enjoyed it. I was able to work at my own pace, in my own time and crucially it gave me a focus during lockdown in the midst of a global pandemic.

“My advice to others in a similar situation is go for it! If you have previous coaching experience then you are developing and expanding your knowledge base. Compare the coaching courses UKA has to offer and select the most appropriate one to match your current aspirations. If you are thinking about the RPL programme, don’t let the blurb put you off or stress you out like it did at first for me. Have faith in your abilities and continue to produce strong, effective lesson plans and programmes.

“I currently work full-time outwith athletics, but in the future I would certainly look to increase and develop my athletics coaching further if the opportunity arose. As it stands, I’ve managed to go on a few warm weather training trips abroad with Paralympic athletes and friends, and if they’re looking for someone to bounce ideas off, I’m always there for them. I really feel like I can make a useful contribution to discussions on training programmes or other thoughts relating to their performance, especially now with my qualifications and experience.”