84% of all sports coaches in Northern Ireland do so in club settings, the majority of which is done on a voluntary basis. It is important that all clubs strive to recruit and deploy coaches who are appropriately qualified, skilled and insured, keeping within governing body coach to participant ratios. It is also important that clubs support and encourage their coaches to further their development to encourage continuous improvement and coach retention.
Sport Northern Ireland delivers a range of coach development workshops across Northern Ireland. These workshops are organised by local authorities, Governing Bodies of Sport, clubs, the education section, and community organisations.
Governing Bodies of Sport are the main providers of sport specific education and training and all coaches delivering within specific sports setting should have obtained the relevant coaching certification from them. Your Governing Body of Sport will also be able to give you guidance on what level of coach should be working with participants. For further information on becoming a qualified coach and forthcoming courses visit the coaching section of the website.
Need help with Coaching Programme and Session Planning? See our Session Planning Tool