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ENSURING young people get good coaching at the start of their athletics careers is vital and such coaching demands a lot of expertise that needs to be recognised valued and supported.
As a reponse to this need Ashford AC enables its’ coaching worksforce to develop their knowledge by financially contributing towards attending various workshops and conferences. Funding has recently been allocated to towards the cost of attending international coaching conferences, England Athletics conferences and locally provided workshops by Kent Sport Leisure & Olympics such as Safeguarding & Protecting People, First Aid and A Club for All.
Ashford AC coach Fiona Sime coaches a large group of young athletes and has written about her experience of attending the International Festival of Athletics Coaching 2010 supported by the European Athletics Coaches Association (EACA) held recently in Glasgow. “I enjoyed the conference and am glad I went. I got a few ideas I could use with the under 13 group I coach” commented Fiona afterwards.” I felt inspired by some of the speakers about being a coach and working with youngsters. If you want to know more about the technical bits there will be a dvd available soon!“
Here is what Fiona had to say in more detail about the conference.
“On registration at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow after a wet walk from the train station I was handed a small bottle of whisky, some shortbread and some chocolate (3 of my favourite things!). This European Coaches conference was going to be ok!
The delegates were a mixture of nationalities although only a few English for some reason that was alluded to but never explained. Frank Dick (President of EACA) introduced the speakers and kept the proceedings on track with humour and enthusiasm. Over the two and a half days there were six keynote speakers and a range of workshops catering for coaches working with elite, developing or beginner athletes.
The first speaker was, in my opinion, the best of the talented bunch. Kelvin Giles talked about getting the foundations right which was a theme pursued in several talks.
In essence make sure athletes have the required flexibility and structural strength needed for correct movement before pushing on with technical skills to avoid unwanted compensatory movements.” If young athletes fail to develop fundamental skills (i.e. motor literacy before becoming involved in sports specific) – future attainment will be limited.”
Most of the other keynote speakers were excellent, entertaining and knowledgeable. John Smith talked openly and frankly about his life, his mistakes and how he got to where he is now. He finished with a video clip showing a man throwing starfish , that were stranded on a beach, back into the sea- we all make a difference.
Roger Jackson’s talk was a fascinating insight into how Canada set about going from zero to 14 gold medals in the Winter Olympics of 2010.”Own the Podium” was a vision that was brought into reality by taking a business approach to all aspects and not just throwing money at existing sports and structures. Check out www.sirc.ca for loads of sport related articles!
Piotr Haczek compared the athletic club structures in his native Poland, Denmark and Scotland. In Poland the financial support means athletes can plan what camps, competitions etc they can attend and required transport, kit, and physio support. Transfer fees are payable to clubs if an athlete leaves to join another club.
The other Polish speaker, Piotr Bora, and his translator were like a comedy double act with no jokes! The translator’s first language was not English and his knowledge of athletics limited. The non take off leg in high jump was described as less fortunate, more humble and tired athletes as dead furnaces. Still he did call me young lady when I asked a question so not all bad!
Most of the 7 workshops I attended were also excellent. Clive Brewer on “conditioning your athlete” was talking about posture and movement and identifying typical movement compensations.” Whatever you do, do it right” Vincenzo Canali talked about specialist conditioning with some examples from pole vault but again stressing how you need to think about the complete system of the body as it is all connected. Laurier Primeau had some useful ideas about developing speed. “