We’re excited to share these updates on the Coaching Framework, starting with the review of Introduction to Coaching with , key remit changes, and updated resources to support your coaching journey. There is also further detail on developmnets in new course offers and opportunities.
Introduction to Coaching – review findings
The Introduction to Coaching courses have successfully completed their first year across all cycling disciplines and recently underwent a thorough review. We have seen so much creativity and the concept of play in coaching being embraced by so many Activity Coaches. It’s important to note that the ‘play’ and indeed Introduction to Coaching as an offer is not aimed specifically at younger riders, but through to adults with more ‘discovery’ as part of play.
Key highlights
Our new approach to training and qualifications enables coaches to immerse themselves in the fundamentals of their chosen cycling discipline right from the start.Many Level 1 and Level 2 coaches have embraced this course, viewing it not as a regression but as an opportunity to access current approaches to coaching as well as the discipline and gain a remit to start discipline coaching.
What we heard:
Introduction to Coaching ‘Multi-discipline’ title is confusing
Some coaches opted for the Introduction to Coaching ‘multi-discipline’ course thinking it would include ALL disciplines. The course outcomes are linked to the foundation skills and techniques required for general cycling, and that are transferable across a number of disciplines, e.g. braking, gear selection, cornering, group riding.
To support learners in choosing the right course, we are renaming this Introduction to Coaching ‘Cycling’ to remove any misunderstanding of the content or remit. The course content and remit remain unchanged. It is aimed at those new to coaching without a specific discipline in mind, or where general cycling is being delivered.
Please note - coaches who have already completed the ‘Multi-discipline’ course will have the updated 'Activity Coach - Cycling' added to their records.
Review of Activity Coach Remits
Your feedback indicated that we needed to revisit the remits and specifically techniques for some disciplines. We have done so and they have been updated in consultation with the technical workgroups. Please check the remit for your discipline. Changes are summarised here:
- Track – extended remit to remove limit to riding below the blue (Stayer’s) line.
- Track – extended remit from individual riding to include riding in pairs (side by side, leading and following, and changing).
- BMX Race – clarification on techniques of Jumping and Start Gate and confirmation that 8m hill is not within remit.
- Road – addition of changing in a line of riders.
Additional resources
Our Activity Coaches have asked for more resources to support their understanding of techniques. We are now working on some supporting resources to supplement technique videos.
The Preparation Board template has been further developed to include more guidance in supporting session design for new coaches.
Coaching in Context - rollout
Update
The pilot courses for Coaching in Context have now been successfully completed for BMX Freestyle, Track, MTB XC, and Cyclocross.
Road is underway and BMX Race starting next week. Gravity and Cycle Speedway will be next up, and available to book in December.
Key learnings so far:
Coaching in Context module - This course builds on the foundational experiences gained in the Introduction to Coaching.
Feedback - There is a clear need for coaches to be actively engaged in their specific discipline before applying for this course. This could be racing or supporting racing in the discipline. Coaches will be expected to coach a group of riders in the discipline as well as using race footage to inform coaching.
Experience requirement - Coaches are required to be currently active in coaching, holding a minimum of 100 hours of independent practical experience, developing their coaching practice. This will support their readiness to explore and apply new approaches in their context, with their riders.
Recommended pathway - Level 1 and Level 2 coaches are encouraged to begin their discipline journey with the Introduction to Coaching, unless as a Level 2 Coach you are fully immersed in the discipline. This foundational step allows for the growth of coaching practice within the specific discipline.
RPEL Introduction to Coaching (Recognition of Prior Experience and Learning) - closing soon
Important Deadline - There is a limited time to access RPEL for Level 1 coaches, it is only available until the end of March 2025. We will continue to offer this course an opportunity to find out more about the new approaches, it will become CPD, but no longer provide access to Coaching in Context.
Coming early 2025
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Unlocking Learning for Coaching – previously Understanding Learning and Development
Exploring how people learn, and how this can develop coaching practice and rider development. This will be for experienced coaches across all disciplines, sharing experiences and learning. The blended approach will have a short e-learning component, 2 tutor-guided seminars and a face to face day to connect, observe and develop practice.
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Experiential Learning (portfolio submission) - to complete the modules and requirements for the full Coach Award.
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Understanding your Domain e-learning available in early 2025 - Nutrition, Coaching Children and Young People.
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Plan & Prescribe Training course.
Coach Framework pricing
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Coaching in Context 2023/24 pilots will continue to run at a reduced rate of £305.
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Following the pilot courses, and in light of rising costs, we have conducted a thorough review of our pricing strategy. Course prices for 2025/26 can be found on the individual course webpages.
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The full Coach Award journey remains more affordable than previous pathways and other national governing bodies.
Funding and bursaries
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We remain committed to maintaining accessibility, supporting volunteers who are either taking their first steps into cycling coaching or looking to enhance their skills within the coaching framework.
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To support this commitment, we will continue to welcome applications for financial assistance from individuals involved in our club or group network looking to begin their coaching journey or develop their coaching practice (available to residents and clubs in England). See here for more details: Coaching Bursary Fund 2024.
Come join us
We’ve shared a lot of information in this news article, so please do come along and join us on Thursday 12 December from 7 - 8pm. Please register via this link beforehand.
Let’s stay connected!
From the Volunteer Roadshow this summer and our Big Coaching Survey supporting coach education development, staying connected is important for our coaches. As part of the recommendations in the new Volunteer Plan, this will be a key area of focus for 2025-26.
