15 March 2010

Kevin Tyler, UKA’s Strategic Head of Coaching and Development, and Jared Deacon, UKA National Development Coach (Sprints), led a successful SPAR Sprints Workshop at the High Performance Centre in Jordanstown, Northern Ireland on 12/13 March.

Twenty coaches from across Northern Ireland, including Sports Institute Northern Ireland (SINI) coaches, Athletics Northern Ireland (ANI) Youth Academy coaches, Performer Development Centre coaches and Athletics NI Development coaches attended the event. 

A theory-based discussion kick started proceedings, recapping on the previous workshop held in November 2009 and giving coaches the opportunity to ask questions and share information ahead of the more interactive practical session which followed, where coaches assessed running techniques with the use of a video camera. Running drills, acceleration drills and block starts were also demonstrated.

“ It was great to have Kevin and Jared visit Northern Ireland as they have a great deal of knowledge and experience to impart on to our coaches,” said Vicki Kennedy, Coaching and Club Development Manager (Athletics Northern Ireland). “The practical session in particular was very beneficial with Kevin and Jared advising how best to analyse the information using appropriate computer software. There has already been positive feedback from the coaches who attended and they’re keen to know when the next course is scheduled.”