UK Coaching applying its vision at sell-out research conference

The inaugural research event was a sell-out and hosted at the Museum of Science and Industry, bringing together practitioners and researchers from across the sport and physical activity sector to discuss and debate contemporary issues in coaching research and practice through the theme of ‘Shaping the Future of Coaching’.

Attendees were presented with a variety of workshops and pop-up university sessions that focused on the theme, including an innovative workshop from Dean Clark (Hartpury University Centre), Ben Lovatt (Training Effect) and Jon Woodward (Coaching Consultant), who used principles from the world of counselling and theatre to help coaches consider the impact of their communication skills, listening strategies, self-presentation and choice of language on participants. Elliott Johnson and Chloe Studley from the English Federation of Disability Sport showed attendees how to increase their confidence when delivering sport to disabled participants and Dr Abbe Brady (St. Mary’s University) facilitated a ‘world café’, inviting attendees to embrace positive psychology to accentuate the holistic development of participants.

UK Coaching’s proactive focus on research comes off the back of its largest ever survey on coaches and coaching in the UK. Headlines from the YouGov-led research includes the fact that over nine million adults have received coaching over the previous 12 months, experiencing a broad range of benefits.

Patron of UK Coaching, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, was guest of honour at the conference and launched the first volume of the organisation’s research journal. The ‘Applied Coaching Research Journal’ has been specifically designed to bring all audiences coaching research. The first edition, ‘Transforming Lives Through Coaching’, conveys coaching’s positive impact of individuals, communities and society.

“We have an ambitious research programme to become a hub of research excellence for coaching and this event proved that there is a high level of interest in coaching and our research, used across the sports and physical activity sector to shape policy and practice.

“I am also honoured that Her Royal Highness joined us to launch our research journal. This journal will give coaches working at all levels of sport and physical activity straight-talking, relevant and applicable research.”

Over the last 12 months, UK Coaching has undergone a significant change, including a full re-brand and launch of a new four-year strategy to change the face of coaching in the UK; its vision to help create an active nation inspired through great coaching where participants are supported.