A welcome boost for Borders coaching
Thursday, September 4 2008
Scottish Borders Council has appointed a new coaching network development officer to boost the workforce of sports coaches, leaders and volunteers across the Borders.
Debra Martin, 21, is a former Eyemouth High School pupil and recently graduated from Napier University with a BSc Honours degree in Sports and Exercise Science with Sports Coaching.
As well as being qualified in coaching hockey, tennis and golf, Debra has advanced knowledge in sports physiology, sports psychology, sports nutrition and sports analysis and is already enjoying her new role.
She said: “This is a very exciting opportunity and I am really looking forward to it. We already have a great workforce of coaches, leaders and volunteers across the Borders and I want to try and build on this by providing support and learning opportunities for coaches of all levels.”
Debra will be focused on working with National Governing Bodies of Sports and Sports Coach UK to provide an education and training programme that will offer numerous sports-specific and generic courses that cater for all levels of coaches.
She is currently facilitating the new Autumn Coach Development Programme which offers coaches of all abilities the opportunity to further develop their coaching skills.
The workshops, which run until 30 November, are categorised into the following:
- Coaching essentials – for people with an interest in, or limited experience in coaching who want to know more about good, safe and effective coaching.
- Developing your coaching – for coaches who want to further develop their coaching skills and knowledge to provide high quality coaching sessions.
- Emergency first aid for sports – for all level of coaches, concentrating on injury management and specific sports related incidents.
- Child Protection – to support clubs and coaches implement child protection policies.
Councillor Graham Garvie, Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Community Education added: “I am delighted at Debra’s appointment. Coaching is without doubt essential to motivate, sustain and develop the ability of athletes across the Borders. I would like to encourage anyone who is involved in coaching to participate in these courses which, combined with our excellent athlete support programme, provides a great opportunity for coaches to develop their skills and reach their potential.”
The Autumn Coach Development Programme can be downloaded from www.scotborders.gov.uk. To request a copy, book your place or for more information please contact Debra Martin on 07786 312 524.
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