The Women in Sport Coach Development Programme is an exciting initiative for eight female Cycling Ireland coaches and aspiring coaches. This programme will give participants the opportunity to improve their knowledge, expand their network and develop leadership and coaching skills in a supported, collaborative environment alongside female coaches from Triathlon Ireland and Rowing Ireland.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
The aim of the initiative is to provide an opportunity for women in coaching, to develop themselves and their skills as coaches.
The initiative will provide supports for ambitious female coaches over a one-year period to develop their technical, communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
The supports of the programme will include coach education courses, personal development workshops, opportunity to observe and engage with the High-Performance coaching team and ongoing support from WIS Lead.
We are looking for females who are currently coaching, demonstrates a commitment and ambition to coaching and who will use their own initiative to capitalise on the support of the programme.
Consideration will also be given to High-Performance female athletes who have an ambition to coach.
Following year-one there may be opportunity to progress further.
Successful applicants can expect the following:
- Attendance at 4 online modules and 2 face to face workshops (if permitted under public health guidance) facilitated by Jo Hopkins Consulting.
- Free access to one formal CI Coach Education course.
- Opportunity to access and observe the High-Performance coaching team for designated activities.
- Network of support amongst programme participants.
- Support from the Women in Sport Lead
REQUIREMENTS
To attend the programme candidates must:
- be over 18 years of age.
- be a Cycling Ireland Member.
- preferably, be active in coaching for at least 2 seasons.
- attend all online workshops from October ‘20 to January ‘21.
- attend one CI coach education course within the year.
- actively engage in the coach development opportunities throughout the programme.
- show initiative to further their own coach development, through volunteering at camps, club events, seek out coach education workshops or courses.
- implement their learnings within their club and the riders they are coaching.
- proactively seek advice and support from the network, WIS lead and stay in contact.
COURSE DETAILS
The course will be delivered by Jo Hopkins Consulting (JHC). Established by former international athlete, coach, Director of Performance, and trained teacher and counsellor, Jo Hopkins, JHC combines performance sport and leadership expertise along with the Performance Cogs model to help individuals develop the skills and understanding necessary to deliver results under pressure.
Jo is particularly focused on developing women in high performance environments and along with her well established JHC associates such as Dr. Sharon Madigan (Head of Nutrition, Irish Institute of Sport), Eliza Downey (former IRFU International and Ulster Rugby’s Women and Girl’s Rugby coordinator), and Karen Brown MBE (Olympic medalist, Team GB Coach and Performance Mentor, English Institute of Sport) to name just a few, JHC have worked with Team GB, the IRFU, Sport Northern Ireland and other public and private sector organisations to help maximise each organisations performance and reach new levels of excellence.
Successful applicants must be available to attend all workshops below.
Modules (Online)*
- Module One (Understanding Self) - October ‘20
- Module Two (Understanding Strengths) - November ‘20
- Module Three (Performing Under Pressure) - December ‘20
- Module Four (Leading Teams) - January ‘21
Workshops (Face to Face)** (Dates TBC)
- Workshop 1 (Building My Network & Coaching skills)
- Workshop 2 (Building My Gravitas)
*Modules one to four will take place online on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings between 18:30 and 21:30.
**Workshops one and two are full day workshops and will take place face-to-face if permitted under public health guidelines
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process for the programme will involve the following:
- Each applicant must complete an application stating their ability to meet the programme entry criteria.
- Each applicant must complete the self-assessment questionnaire on admission to the programme.
- The closing date for applications is 8th September at 5pm. Applications will not be accepted after this date.
- The next steps in the application process will involve shortlisting applicants in accordance with the entry criteria.
- A final decision on successful applicants will then be made by cycling ireland project team by 15th September. There is a maximum of 8 places available.
- Click here to submit an application.
COURSE FEE:
No Cost. The programme cost includes a significant subsidy paid by Cycling Ireland/Sport Ireland WIS fund to cover the full cost of the programme.
