18 August 2020

Representatives from national and state sporting organisations, state and territory agencies and universities attended Sport Australia’s National Coach Development Conferenc on 25 July. The conference was oversubscribed with over 120 people present to explore methods to modernise coach development and delivery to better engage and retain people in sport.

The morning sessions were highlighted by industry heavyweights in Wayne Goldsmith, an internationally renowned coach education specialist and Greg Chappell who has holistic industry experience as an elite player, state and international coach, head of Cricket Australia’s Brisbane Centre of Excellence, head of pathways and national selector. Wayne’s session had several takeaways including the opportunity to re-engage and re-educate the existing coaches to deliver.

Dr Steven Rynne, senior lecturer and program convener at University of Queensland spoke about the importance of creating quality social learning environments and the crucial role of peer to peer learning and feedback.

David Phillips who has international experience in program and coach development, challenged the traditional coach construct and highlighted the importance of connection and communicating often with relevance in ways that suit your audience.

The afternoon discussions provided us with information to inform the support required by the sector to create high quality learning environments and experiences for coaches. This information will assist to develop participants intrinsically attached to an active life which will positively impact the health and wellbeing of the nation.