Due to the success of the first ever Coach Mentoring Programme, SportCentral and scottishathletics are pleased to announce they have committed funding to extend the programme until October 2008. This programme has been designed specifically to invest in Athletics coaches in the Forth Valley. The aim of programme is not just to improve the level of knowledge of local coaches, but to support them in getting the best performances out of their Athletes, using their own current methods.

The Forth Valley is lucky enough to attract Mastercoach Sandy Robertson as a consultant to deliver the programme over the next 6 month period. Sandy, who has a wealth of knowledge in the full range of Athletic events, is delighted to be given the consultancy position and is looking forward to working with Community and Club coaches in his Coach-Mentoring role.

Clubs, Local Authorities and the Forth Valley Athletics Partnership are invited to put forward coaches for the Mentoring Programme, coaches are asked to fill out the short downloadable application form  with the levels of the athletes they coach and a short summary of why they feel they would benefit from this Mentoring Programme. Both new and experienced coaches delivering at all levels of the athlete pathway are encouraged to apply.

Local Authorities are also invited to encourage Athletic Development Officers to attend the group and event specific sessions.

SportCentral are looking for enthusiastic coaches who have an ongoing involvement in Athletics in the Forth Valley. They need to be willing to commit to a 6 month Mentoring programme with the view to improving their skills and knowledge and getting the best out of their athletes’ performance using their own training methods. Coaches applying must hold a UKA Coaching Licence and a scottishathletics disclosure check.

The programme will involve Sandy supporting coaches in the following ways:-

• One -to-one discussions with the coach
• One-to-one technical-support sessions with the coach and athlete[s]
• Event-specific group coaching sessions in:   

                            a] Sprints and relays

                                    b] Hurdles

                                    c] Middle-distance

                                    d] Jumps

                                    e] Throws

                                    f] Disability

                                    g] Conditioning

                                    h] Coaching methods

• Group sessions in the use of current resources, including:           

                            i] Elevating Athletics   

                                    ii] Community Run, Jump, Throw Clubs

                                    iii] The Double-Goal Coach

• Any other sessions requested by the selected coaches

If you have any questions about the Mentoring Programme please contact Liz Francis at SportCentral on 01786 432323 / 07717 545494 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or Sandy Robertson on 01968 672863 / 07952213132 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Applications must be returned to :

LIZ FRANCIS,

3rd Floor, Wolfcraig, 1 Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2LQ

Telephone:  (01786) 432323  Fax:  (01786) 432304

NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 23rd MAY

Coaches will then be selected by a panel and informed of their selection by telephone