New cohort begins high-performance coaching programme

A new cohort of coach developers from across Scotland has started a specialist programme designed to strengthen the support available to coaches working in high-performance sport.

Delivered by the University of Stirling in partnership with sportscotland, the High Performance Coach Developer Programme brings together experienced practitioners from a range of sporting backgrounds to deepen their understanding of how coaches learn and develop, and how best to support them in complex performance environments.

Coaches from Scottish Hockey, Triathlon Scotland, Cricket Scotland, Scottish Cycling, Paddle Scotland, Scottish Swimming, Scottish Rugby and the sportscotland Institute of Sport are among those taking part in the programme.

Combining research, reflection and practical application, the programme is designed to enhance the quality of coach development across Scotland's high-performance and pathway systems.

Participants examine the factors that influence learning and performance, including relationships, culture and coaching environments, while developing evidence-informed approaches to supporting coaches in their day-to-day practice.

Exciting step

Dr Andrew Mark Gillott, Senior Lecturer in Sport Performance Coaching at the University of Stirling's Centre for Research and Innovation in Sport, said: “It is a privilege to welcome a new group of practitioners who are committed to the support and development of coaches and coaching practice and, ultimately, helping people perform at their best. sportscotland has provided us with the opportunity to once again lead the way in the evolution of high-quality coach development practices, and this latest cohort is another exciting step in over a decade of evolving this project.”

The programme forms part of a longstanding partnership between the University of Stirling and sportscotland to support excellence in coaching and athlete development.

Crucial collaboration

By bringing together practitioners from different sports and professional backgrounds, it creates opportunities for shared learning and collaboration across the high-performance system.

sportscotland Director of Sport, Craig Burn, said: “Helping to develop the people and pathways in performance sport is something we are committed to. Scotland continues to punch above our weight in performance sport, and that is in no small part down to those working with our athletes.

“The High Performance Coach Developer Programme is a great opportunity for this hugely experienced cohort to take learnings from different sports, and people in different roles, to hopefully apply to their own work. That collaboration is crucial in maintaining the skills and expertise we have in Scotland performance sport workforce.”

Engaging and challenging

Among those who have previously completed the programme is Jay Runga, Lead Manager, Learning and Development at Scottish Gymnastics, who said: “The High Performance Coach Developer Programme has genuinely changed the way I think about developing people. It challenged me to look beyond coaching behaviours and performance outcomes and become more curious about the person, their environment, relationships and the wider system around them.

“Andrew and the programme team created an environment that was supportive, engaging and challenging, where it felt safe to be vulnerable, question your thinking and learn alongside an incredible group of people.

“I left the programme more reflective, more curious and better equipped to support coaches and leaders to understand themselves, connect with others and ultimately thrive.”

The latest cohort continues the programme's goal of developing highly skilled coach developers who can support coaches across Scotland's high-performance and pathway systems, helping to create the conditions for sustained success in sport.