400th Londoner receives sport coaching boost

Jessica Benson, SkillsActive - 28/04/08

The London Coaching Bursary, funded by the Learning and Skills Council and Sport England, gives grassroots coaches the chance to improve their skills, gain valuable experience and increase employment opportunities in the sport and active leisure sector. The bursary scheme has been a real boost for individuals in London, and gives talented coaches greater opportunities to develop their skills.

Sporting organisations in London have around two thirds of the coaches that they actually need with the largest shortfall amongst voluntary coaches. Volunteer coaches do not hold as many formal qualifications as paid coaches and many cite a cost barrier against them training to industry recognised standards . As Olympic fever gathers momentum this year, more people will wish to participate in sport particularly the less mainstream disciplines. On the road to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the bursary has helped increase capacity and coaching excellence where it’s needed most. These coaches within our local communities ensure increased participation in sport, healthier lifestyles in the fight against obesity and stronger community cohesion. 

Fiona Jordan is the 400th person to be given a coaching boost and is based at Wimbledon Village Stables. The stables are one of many London coaching centres that have benefited from the funds. Fiona and two other equestrian trainers at the stables are working towards their UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) level 2 in equestrian sport and will concentrate on developing the skills of young riders at the stables. Fiona said:

"I am delighted to have been offered the funding to further my equestrian training. This enables me and others like me to qualify for a nationally recognised equestrian coaching certificate and signifies an investment in the children and young people I teach, ensuring that they receive the best possible tuition thereby giving them every opportunity to succeed in the future."

Steve Mitchell, London’s regional partnership manager at SkillsActive said: “With the greatest sporting competition in the world coming to the city in less than five years time this is a very exciting opportunity for aspiring coaches. The scheme is a great example of effective partnerships working in the region. The bursary will professionalise the sector and ultimately work towards meeting the government’s twin ambition to stage a successful 2012 Olympics and increase participation by 2011.”

“The bursaries have provided an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the new UKCC qualifications in equestrian sport and served as a timely boost that will help to up-skill the coaching workforce in London as we seek to develop capacity across the capital on the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” Tim Hadaway, London Development Coordinator, British Equestrian Federation.

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