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University Improves Quality Of Ulster's Sports Coaches

6 January 2010

The University of Ulster has launched a series of coach education workshops to help improve the quality of sports coaching at a local level.

The Coach Education Shorts Courses in Sport, which are available to anyone over the age of 16, introduces coaches to wide-ranging aspects like psychology in sport, strength and conditioning, and sports event management.

Coach Education Officer, Chris Galway, who leads the innovative programme, said: “The great thing about these courses is that you don’t have to be from an elite sporting background to take part. They are available to anyone who wants to improve their sporting knowledge and develop coaching skills.

“The topics covered show the depth of knowledge our qualified experts in the Ulster Sports Academy have to deliver and benefit the local community.”

The short courses are recognised at levels three and four on the National Qualifications and Credit Framework.

“They offer the opportunity to gain a Certificate in Personal and Professional Development, but also can deliver the professional skills and competencies required by employers,” said Chris.

“Ulster’s commitment to becoming the leading University on the island of Ireland for sport is not just about developing elite sport, but also delivering sporting excellence to the community and that is what we are doing with these short courses. The every day sports man and woman can benefit from Higher Education right on their doorsteps.”

The titles of the courses are – Sports Psychology for Coaches; Developing Children’s Basic Sport Skills; Good Practice in Children’s Sport; Officiating in Athletics; Sports Event Management; Sports Coaching; Sports Leadership; Introduction to Strength and Conditioning for Coaches; Introduction to Applied Performance Analysis.

For further information or to apply to Coach Education Shorts Courses in Sport, contact Coach Education Officer, Chris Galway via email – c.galway@ulster.ac.uk or by telephone – 028 9036 8370. Or alternatively further details, costs and methods of enrolment can be found at http://sportsulster.com/PPDmodules.php