The British Equestrian Federation is to announce the opening of the 2014 United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) Level 4 programme this Thursday (10 April). The bespoke programme aims to deliver an advanced syllabus of professional education for coaches with considerable experience to raise industry standards and recognise high performing.
The programme, which was established in 2012, is a joint venture run by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), British Rowing and the University of Gloucestershire. It provides high performing equestrian coaches with the opportunity to gain both the UKCC Level 4 qualification and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice in Sport Coaching (PG Dip). The qualification is not exclusive to those working in a high performance environment; it incorporates coaches working from grassroots level up to individuals supporting Championship teams.
Alex Copeland, Head of Sport Development at the BEF said; “This programme demonstrates our continuing commitment to the development of the highest quality of coaching expertise across the Federation’s Member bodies. Following the success of the 2013 programme, we look forward to welcoming the next cohort of coaches who have the motivation and commitment to succeed at this level.”
Candidates must hold a UKCC Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification, possess considerable coaching experience and have their application endorsed by their Member Body to be admitted to the programme. Coaches can register by completing a simple Expression of Interest form by the 10 May 2014, and are invited to attend a Candidate Information day, to be held on the 12 May, when representatives from the BEF and the University of Gloucestershire will be present, along with current UKCC Level 4 candidates.
Pauline Brimson, current UKCC Level 4 candidate, Head Coach and Founder of Fallowbrook Western Riding Club commented; “The course allows us to develop relationships across the various equestrian sports as well and creating a great sense of camaraderie between my fellow students. It is a real step up from the Level 3 in terms of both reflection and self-evaluation as a coach as well as the academic side – it’s a real challenge.”
The UKCC Level 4 course is a bespoke programme developed for professional education for coaches with considerable experience. The qualification is for ‘high performing’ coaches and is not exclusive to coaches working in a ‘high performance ’environment.
The Level 4 Coaching Qualification provides coaches with a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Professional Practice in Sport Coaching and is designed to support and credit learning within the workplace. Forming an integral part of the UKCC Level 4 qualification for high performing coaches it has been created around work-based learning (WBL) modules focused on skills, knowledge and understanding needed to develop professional practice as well as the ability to manage academic learning.
For further information or for an Initial Interest Form please contact Chris Shaw by email.