British Cycling has today published the organisation’s new framework for coaching qualifications, designed to make the introduction to coaching faster, cheaper and more bespoke than ever before.

Designed through extensive consultation with the coaching community and external partners over the past three years, and with the support of Sport England, the new framework breaks the coaching journey down into five modules, building knowledge and skills over time. As part of the new coaching journey, coaches will begin learning in their own discipline from day one, while also having the opportunity to develop focussed skills in key areas, such as coaching women and girls, disabled riders and young people in differing environments from participation to performance.

Thanks to the changes, new coaches may save up to 22%* to train as a qualified coach in their chosen discipline when compared with the cost of training to an equivalent level under the previous framework, with the first batch of new Introduction to Coaching courses now live and open for bookings through the British Cycling website. Course dates will be published in phases over the next 12 months to enable us to refine our delivery model and respond to demand, with more information available here.

Existing coaching qualifications will continue to be recognised, and current coaches who want to continue their ongoing learning will shortly be receiving information on new opportunities to gradually extend their knowledge and remit through new modules in the coming months. In line with British Cycling’s wider education offer, coaches will also be able to learn remotely where possible.

Further information and FAQs for existing coaches can be found here.

British Cycling’s Head of Education, Simon Hibbert, said:

“Since first being introduced in 2006, we’ve trained thousands of coaches who all play a vital role in getting more people on bikes and supporting the champions of today and tomorrow.

“After taking time to listen to and learn from our network of coaches over the past three years, I’m thrilled that we’re able to publish a brand new framework which is better suited to the wants and needs of today’s learners.

“By making learning more relevant, more accessible and cheaper, we hope to unleash a new generation of passionate and knowledgeable coaches to support riders and clubs at all levels, from the grassroots to the Great Britain Cycling Team.”

You can find out more about the new coaching framework here. If you’re interested in becoming a British Cycling coach, find development days near you here.

*Coaches training under bursary schemes, recognition of prior learning routes or those coaches not holding discipline specific coaching awards in the previous framework would not realise the 22% saving. The potential saving for new coaches looking to train in the track discipline is approximately 8%.