12 September 2012

As Birmingham welcomed back Great Britain’s Olympians at the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix, the annual UKA Women’s Coaching Conference also made a return for its fourth succession on 26 August 2012.

Delivered by the Women in Coaching Advisory Group (WCAG) this time with the theme of ‘Success’ being the underlining focus of the morning; focus which Chair of the group Elaine Grant wanted to emphasis after the fantastic Olympic Games we have all experienced.

Speaking first at the conference was Janice Kaufman, a coach from Gateshead Harriers, who described the journey she has been on within the sport – from being a parent helping out at her local club to coaching Paralympic Athlete Hazel Robson in London 2012.

Julie Wyatt, representative of Scottish Athletics on the WCAG said, "I found Janice’s presentation particularly inspiring as it provided a real working example of how to become a successful coach through striking a balance with family, working and coaching life!"

Following Janice was Psychologist Joan Duda who discussed the different types of motivation needed to make a successful athlete, how an understanding of this can really add benefit to a training plan and how it can get the best out of the athletes. Joan also went on to discuss how coaches can empower their athletes, broadening the thoughts of the attending coaches on the day.

Vicky Huyton, a volunteer coach who also sits on the WCAG stated, "It was a real eye opener discussing how athletes can be motivated, something which will come very useful when trying to work with my own athletes. I feel I will be able to identify their psychological needs a bit more."

Joan’s theory was then backed up by Melanie Marshall, a GB swimmer who attended both the Athens and Beijing Olympic Games. Melanie went through her journey as an athlete and how different coaches approached her preparation for her Games and the impact that ensued on her performances; both negatively and positively.

Attending coaches then enjoyed an afternoon of athletics watching the likes of Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford showing why they won Olympic Gold medals only two weeks previous.