Applied Coaching Research Journal Research Journal 5 | Page 22

APPLIED COACHING RESEARCH JOURNAL 2020, Vol. 5
Effectiveness of Coach
Learning and Development
Activities for the Performance
Foundation Stage
Nicky Proctor, Dr Julian North and Dr Bob Muir
Research Centre for Sport Coaching, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University
Introduction
Criticism of the appropriateness and effectiveness
of much coach education practice (eg Chesterfield
et al, 2010; Nelson and Cushion, 2006; Trudel et al,
2010) has since led to recommendations for coach
development practice to align with the recognised
complexity of learning and coaching (Paquette and
Trudel, 2018). An emerging body of literature now
supports the principle of learner-centred programme
design, facilitation, and coach engagement (Deek
et al, 2013; Morgan et al, 2013 in Paquette and
Trudel, 2018; Muir, 2017) and empirical studies
are now needed to understand and assess the
implementation of these programmes.
This PhD study focuses on evaluating and
understanding the effectiveness of the Performance
Foundation Coach Support (PFCS) programme,
funded by UK Sport and delivered by UK Coaching.
The programme provides a package of support
for coaches working with athletes developing the
foundations for potential world-class performance
(ie coaches working with promising athletes often
via a national governing body of sport). Primary
aspects of the programme are one-to-one coach
developer support in situ 1 to stimulate reflective
practice and facilitation of peer-coach communities
of practice. Figure 1 provides an overview of the
programme.
in situ - Taking place within the coaching or competition environment.
1
22