Coaching Edge 33 2013 | Page 24

COACHING EDGE |COMMUNITY INSPIRATION|

Follow us on Twitter : @TheCoachingEdge

© Q Shillingford

24

Khan or Ricky Hatton. Treat everyone
the same.’

talking about healthy lifestyles, nutrition
and hydration.’

Pike is a good example, adds Shillingford.
‘Three of his sons were national level boxers,
but if you saw him with them in the gym, you’d
never know it. That’s the message I want to get
out to coaches: no favouritism.’

It was because of Shillingford’s vast experience
in the boxing world that he was asked to
develop the GB National Boxing Awards – a
fun, recreational programme that teaches
boxing skills coupled with general fitness and
learning about healthy lifestyles.

So what other advice does he have for
beginner coaches, particularly those working in
community settings? ‘Try to be relaxed and
make it fun. Talk to people as equals, but still in
a professional and “I’m in charge” manner.
‘It annoys me when I see coaches shouting
because the kids get that at home. When they
come into your environment you have to show
them that it’s possible to get your point across in
a respectful and calm manner.’
Like Shillingford, many great coaches have
charisma, but he believes this is not something
you are born with; it’s something you can learn.
‘Go on courses delivered by those inspirational
coaches and watch them at work. Observe
their delivery and their tone of voice. What
methods do they use to get their points across?’
There are clear rules for the young people too.
‘Politeness is a massive thing for me and I want
a youngster to learn to say “hello” and
“goodbye”, and “please” and “thank you”. I
want them to understand that the coaches
are all there voluntarily and deserve
their respect.’
Parental engagement is also important. ‘When
we sit all the kids down at the end of a session,
we let the parents in and they can hear us

‘When they come into
your environment you
have to show them
it’s possible to get
your point across in
a respectful,
calm manner.’
Soon after joining the Andover club, the young
Shillingford was winning bouts in the ring. And
after winning two national titles he was in