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Coaches are reaping the benefits of face-to-face practical sessions and being taught by experienced coach developers following significant development to the England Squash coaching education pathway.
The pathway is currently undergoing redevelopment to better support coaches in their diverse working environments and aid their progression at every level.
As part of the changes, current qualifications are now a hybrid model, incorporating practical workshops alongside online modules with the aim of providing more opportunities for hands-on learning and feedback, as well as building a community of coaches up and down the country.
For Alison Horford, who had previously struggled to engage with the online-only Level 1 course, attending a four-hour session was game-changing for her coaching journey. She said:
“I had the best day at the coaching course. I felt so privileged that Tania Bailey and Paul Carter had the time and passion to lead the training. They were brilliant. I learned so much and have been inspired – I will complete the e-learning modules as soon as possible.
“I stopped and started the online course, but as there wasn’t anyone to talk things through with or a chance to try out the exercises, it didn’t always make sense. Having face-to-face contact made the biggest difference. It gave context to the online modules and was a fantastic opportunity to see good coaching in practice.”
Jonathan Halliwell, meanwhile, a Level 1 coach at Coolhurst Squash Club, hailed the opportunity to network with fellow coaches as part of the hybrid course. He said:
“There really is no substitute for in-person learning but the best thing about the face-to-face sessions was meeting and speaking to the other attendees. Meeting people from up and down the country who share your passion for squash, hearing their stories and about their clubs, and not only learning from your experience of the day but also theirs. You’re part of a community.
“I absolutely loved it, and it certainly inspired me to start the Level 2 qualification and develop my skills further.”
In January, the Coach Developer Network was expanded to better support the delivery of in-person sessions and provide more localised opportunities for learning. There are now 24 coach developers split across the eight regions.
Kacey-Leigh Dodd, who participated in a practical session at East Gloucestershire Squash Club, found the opportunity to work alongside experienced coaches during her Level 1 course invaluable. She said:
“Our group had more fun than I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot of new activities which I can use in my coaching sessions. Having the content delivered by coach developers with such vast experience made a real difference – it was such a positive and informative learning environment.”
Other planned changes to the pathway include the development of a more user-friendly e-learning platform in partnership with eCoach. The innovative online learning system will offer a broader range of digital content and bitesize learning modules, allowing coaches to develop skills tailored to their specific goals and engage in continued professional development.
Coach pathway changes - further reading
England Squash expands Coach Developer Network to boost nationwide support
England Squash teams up with eCoach to accelerate coaches’ development
Increased support and diversity at the heart of new coaching education pathway
Collaboration and community at the heart of coaching pathway changes
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