Applied Coaching Research Journal Research Journal 3 | Page 9

APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2019, Vol. 3
style of communication, can have a marked impact
on the psychological environment that is created.
The context for the study was with StreetGames, an
organisation that mainly focuses on young people’s
engagement and participation.
The second article by Dr Lisa Whitaker and Mark
Scott focuses on evaluating a community of
practice (CoP) among a cohort of coaches at The
Albion Foundation. If you are not familiar with the
CoP term it is about bringing people together to
learn informally from each other (a type of social
learning). The authors describe three evolving
attempts at stimulating groups to come together
and measuring the level of engagement, the
types of interactions, supportive features and
any development in relationships. So what? The
article presents some of the early findings of the
evaluation that show the benefits of the CoP on
coach learning and development. It will also give
you some helpful tips on how to set up a CoP and
how to evaluate one effectively.
The final article by Lois Daniels and Dr Colum
Cronin has a performance environment context of
elite female football players. It continues a common
theme of the importance of the participant ‘voice’
and individual needs. This is applied to exploring
‘care’ in coaching. So what? By reading this article
you will see how people interpret ideas like care
differently. You will understand how the culture
of an organisation has an influence, along with
everyday dialogue in showing concern (or lack
of concern). A key ingredient is social support
for athletes beyond the coach. Enhancing your
Shaping the Future of Coaching
Shaping the Future
of Coaching
Applied Coaching Research Conference
19 February 2019
Derby County Football Club
Supported by
understanding of care in coaching is something that
can influence your own practice.
Thank you for taking the time to read this
special edition of the journal, and if you would
like to get involved in the journal, or any future
UK Coaching event, please get in touch with a
member of the team.
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