During UK Coaching Week, Coaching Leads from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales began a two-year Coaching Leaders Programme.
The 2025-27 Coaching Leaders Programme is a collaboration between Sport NI, sportscotland and Sport Wales to provide coaches the opportunity to learn from their peers as well as many external experts.
The Programme exists to ensure that coaching meets the needs of participants and reduces the inequalities within sport. Over the two years sessions will include effective coach development, understanding learning, leading change, and exploring their role and influence in the sport system.
18 Coaching Leaders kicked off the first residential workshop in Wales working alongside facilitators Dr Anna Stodter and Kurt Lindley across the three days.
Five leads within local sport in Northern Ireland attended which were Denise Murphy (triathlon), Gary McKeegan (cycling), Callum Grieve (volleyball), Declan Leung (athletics) and Michelle McMillan (hockey).
Denise Murphy, Triathlon Ireland Development Officer and Coach Developer, said: “It was insightful and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was great to have the time to chat with others and allow for some reflections.”
Gary McKeegan, Cycling Ireland Ulster Regional Development Officer said: “It was inspiring to meet the other participants and hear their stories. Listening to their challenges and successes gave me perspective on where we are and where we could head next.”
Callum Grieve, NI Volleyball Indoor Performance Manager / Men’s National Team Head Coach added: “I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with National Governing Bodies from across the Home Nations. I’ve already got some learning to take back to NI Volleyball to help us improve our Coaching Development process.”
Declan Leung, Athletics NI Development Manager added: “Coming together with like-minded individuals to listen to experts in coach learning and people development has given me a fresh outlook on the future of Coach and Tutor Development.”
Michelle McMillan, Ulster Hockey Workforce Development Officer concluded: “It was an enlightening weekend and a valuable opportunity to learn from others which will help me grow in my role with fresh ideas to go home with.”
The second residential workshop for the programme will be taking place at the sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde, from 16th-18th September and will focus on Understanding Others and Learning.