Coaching Academy launched to support sports coaches and volunteers.
The academy is the result of a partnership between the University of Worcester and Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, a non-profit delivering sports activities across the two counties.
The Coaching Academy will provide opportunities for coaches and volunteers from different sports to take part in workshops, network and share best practice with others.
It was launched during a special event at the University of Worcester Arena, attended by around 40 coaches and volunteers as well as several graduates from the university.
Lerverne Barber, head of the university's School of Sport and Exercise Science, said: "The aim of the Coaching Academy is to create a support network for the local and regional coaching workforce, to provide access to free resources, information, and ongoing learning opportunities.
"As a university with excellent sports coaching credentials and some elite-level coaches in our staff, as well as students who are studying to become coaches of the future, this partnership felt like a natural step for us.
"We are keen to support local coaches in the community and to help share our knowledge and expertise, whilst also learning from them."
Bronwyn Stubbings, workforce lead at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: "We are committed to supporting our local workforce.
"Our Coaching Academy is a fantastic support system for the workforce within the two counties, to connect clubs, coaches, volunteers and organisations in the sport and physical activity industry, providing advice and guidance.
"We are delighted to partner with the University of Worcester to deliver high quality learning opportunities and support our aims of developing a workforce that inspires."
The Academy will host workshops and conferences as well as provide online resources, such as podcasts, to support the workforce on a host of topics including engagement of new members and securing funding.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Coaching Academy email Bronwyn Stubbings, workforce project officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, on b.stubbings@worc.ac.uk or visit www.activehw.co.uk/coaching-academy.
More information: https://www.activehw.co.uk/coaching-academy
