Coaches of the future

Monday February 8, 2010

Budding Sir Alex Fergusons, Martin Johnsons and Hope Powells now have the chance to become world class sports coaches thanks to a new council scheme.

H&F has teamed up with Sport England to launch ‘Recruit into Coaching’ and has enlisted over 25 candidates to receive free sports coach training in a number of different sports including football, cricket, netball and badminton.

Each candidate commits to doing 20 hours volunteering in young persons sport sessions in H&F. In return, they receive a NGB (National Governing Body) level one coaching award in their chosen sport, emergency first aid and safeguarding children training and a community sports leaders award.

The scheme is proving to be hugely popular with those lucky enough to take up the opportunity.

Larry Culhane, aged 19 of the White City Estate has taken up cricket coaching. He said: “I am a cricket fanatic and have always wanted to coach so this seemed like the ideal opportunity for me. It has been good to get all of the training and I have enjoyed putting it into practise during the sessions that I have ran at Melcombe Primary School and St Stephen’s Primary School.”

Murdhanya Dave, 19, of Shepherds Bush is a former Hammersmith & Fulham cricket borough captain and is also now coaching. He said: "I have acheived my English Cricket Boad Level One qualification and have already done great coaching sessions at Phoenix High School and Miles Coverdale Primary School. The kids were really enthusiastic and there were a lot of different abilities. I am really pleased that I got involved in the scheme."

Cllr Paul Bristow, cabinet member for residents' services, said:” This is a fantastic scheme. People in Hammersmith & Fulham do more sport than anyone else in London according to Sport England and if we are to keep that up, it is vital that more people become coaches. We are delighted to work with Sport England on such a worthwhile project.”

Recruit into Coaching is ran in conjunction with PRO-ACTIVE West London who co-ordinate sport and recreation in Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow.