COACH TRACKING STUDY John McIlroy , Information Manager John Driscoll, Executive Director

The background and context Lead agency for coaching in the UK Established in 1983 as “coaching arm” of the Sports Council Majority of funding from Sport England and UK Sport Coaching Matters established need for research into coaching demands and requirements The UK Vision for Coaching and Coaching Task Force reinforced need for research into coaching Sports coach UK as lead agency – staff of around 50, based in Leeds and across country Established as National Coaching Foundation and became independent charity in 1989 Coaching Matters published in 1992 UK Vision for Coaching published in 2000 Coaching Task Force report published in 2002 Coaching Work Force (hold up) Conclusion – research has always been a strong component of our work.

One of the largest studies undertaken into coaching These coaches are the backbone of the system and their opinions are important

Adults participants are more likely to come into contact with volunteers Who is being coached? Three quarters of full-time coaches work with younger children Over one-third of volunteers are active in clubs

Motivation to continue Starting to coach Motivation to continue Support received Developing as a coach Stopping coaching The Coaching Journey Similarities, differences and issues

Why do people decide to become a coach? Full-time coach 1. Start a career in coaching (66%) 2. Give something back (50%) 3. Stay involved in sport (31%) Volunteer coach 1.Give something back (60%) 2. Lack of coaches (53%) 3. Start a career in coaching (34%) Differences FT more influenced by careers Vol more influenced by lack of coaches, helping their children and helping their old club

Differences Why do people continue to coach? Nine out of ten coaches agree I like the interaction with participants I like seeing participants develop their skills and improve I like the buzz when participants do well, knowing that I had something to do with that Differences FT more likely to be influenced by careers and salaries PLUS personal development, competition and maintaining involvement Vol more likely to be influenced by helping their children and helping their old club

Do coaches feel supported? Full-time coaches are much more likely to feel supported by their governing body (86% 59%)

A possible network system for coaches - maybe a forum? Support volunteer coaches want Better communication Funding More mentoring and individual support A support network That the XXXX actually starts to listen to coaches and appreciates that the majority of coaches are volunteers. Provide better support for community coaches. A possible network system for coaches - maybe a forum?

How do coaches develop? Differences Volunteers and full-time coaches agree on the most important sources of learning Coaching practice Working with participants Reading books, magazines etc Reflection Differences FT coaches place more importance on Training Needs Analysis, qualifications and conferences Vol coaches place more importance on work experience, working with other coaches and their experiences as a player

Why do coaches stop? Full-time Volunteers

System related comments Less opportunity of finding work in this area. Less opportunities and had less time. Would have liked to have continued, but there just wasn't enough money in the sector to continue. Lack of support at my club. not enough time with work life balance. Frustration. Because of bad management of the football team and because of the club as a whole, being too concerned about money, more than about teaching the kids about football.

Motivation to continue Conclusion Starting to coach Motivation to continue Support received Developing as a coach Stopping coaching Volunteers more focussed on the community and helping others Primary reasons are personal and results are consistent across ALL coaches Secondary reasons show volunteers are more focussed on community concerns The most striking difference is how volunteers are less likely to feel supported by their Governing Body ALL coaches have similar development preferences Volunteers are more likely to place importance on informal learning Not surprisingly volunteers are more likely to stop coaching for system related reasons

Coaching in their own words