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Fast-track future outlined for new coaching qualification

Twenty-two sports part of first wave of National Coaching Certificate

Wednesday 4 February 2004

The revolution for sports coaching in the UK continues apace as 22 sports have been formally invited to be part of the first wave to implement the new National Coaching Certificate (NCC).

UK and Home Country governing bodies for six of the 22 have also been asked to act as trailblazers to test the new NCC system. The six—athletics, cricket, rowing, rugby union, swimming and triathlon—would be fast-tracked so they could report back on how it is working and help to modify the process to ensure it works best. These sports would be in a position to offer NCC qualifications during 2006.

Sports Minister Richard Caborn welcomed the move for the NCC, saying:

“Improving the number and ability of coaches is a vital part of our plan to improve sports provision in the UK. The NCC will give coaches a nationally recognised and transferable qualification for the first time.

“This wide range of sports will help us look at how best to take through this crucial stage for coaches across the UK.”

The NCC is being developed by sports coach UK, working with sports governing bodies, UK Sport and the Home Country Sports Councils. The move was welcomed across the UK.

Frank McAveety, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in the Scottish Executive, said:

“I welcome today’s announcement on the National Coaching Certificate. The supply of appropriately qualified coaches is essential to the delivery of the Executive’s commitment to the development of sport in Scotland. It will also allow us to help develop the crucial links between schools and clubs which are essential for the success of the Active Schools Programme.”

Alastair Dempster, Chairman, sportscotland, said:

“The National Coaching Certificate will be of great benefit to Scotland’s governing bodies of sport as part of the modernisation agenda. Progressive coach education and development systems are central to the success of our primary goal ‘...to have more people participating in sport in Scotland’.

“The NCC supports our Corporate Plan investment priority for coaching through the coaching network, to increases the quantity and quality of coaches and leaders at local and national level, and our contribution to the delivery of Sport 21, which recognises that …’skilled coaches at all levels are essential in order to develop the potential of young people, ensure the enjoyment of adults and improve standards of performance’.”

  • Following the DCMS Sports Summit on 14 July 2003, expressions of interest in participating in the National Coaching Certificate were sought from the governing bodies of 31 sports. In the light of the overwhelmingly positive responses received, Richard Caborn announced on 27 October 2003 that all of those sports had agreed in principle to be considered for the first wave of implementation.
  • The 22 first-wave sports are: athletics, badminton, basketball, canoeing, cricket, cycling, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, judo, netball, rowing, rugby league, rugby union, sailing, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis and triathlon.
  • The remaining nine sports, which will receive non-financial support to enable them to lead the second wave of implementation, are: angling, archery, bowls, karate, mountaineering, movement/dance, orienteering, rounders and volleyball.
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