Sport Coaching 'Think Tank' a Great Success
A two day Think Tank, 'Making a Difference in Sport with the Application of Research in Practice' was held by the Department of Sport Development on 2nd - 3rd May 2012 at Northumbria University.
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The Think Tank offered a dynamic and interactive environment for sport academics, coaches, consultants, coach educators and administrators to come together with the intention of exploring current issues and sharing examples of best practice in sport coaching.
Anita Navin, Head of Department of Sport Development: “Sport Coaching has in the past decade received greater attention and the UK Coaching Framework (UKCF) seeks to professionalise the role and promote research informed practice. The UKCF seeks to ensure the UK has a world leading coaching system supporting coaches in all domains by 2020 and the collaboration between HEIs and NGBs is a critical factor in achieving such a vision.
“Given the expertise within sport coaching the Department was keen to engage with fellow academics, National Governing Bodies and sport consultants to position the current status of coaching and research within the field. The event was a great success and attended by some high profile NGBs such as Football, Rowing, Equestrian, Netball to name a few.”
Participants reported the think tank format promoted professional and personal development. Wayne Allison from The FA said: “I thought the event was a huge success from my point of view, delivered by the staff in a very professional manner. Staff research had robust methodology, was innovative and importantly, had practical value for transferring back into sport. I would consider collaborative work going forward and attending future Think Tank Events at Northumbria University.”
The Keynote Speaker, Professor Jean Côté from Queen's University said:
“Attending and presenting at the Sport Coaching Think Thank was a very enriching experience. All the presentations and discussion that took place during the meeting shed light on important practical coaching issues. The different demographic of all participants (e.g. coaches, sport administrators, researchers) provided a fertile forum for fruitful exchanges of ideas and ways of moving forward in terms of coaching practices and coaching research. The flexible format of the Think Tank provided new opportunities for networking and collaborations that will continue.”
Date posted: May 18, 2012
