What we have learnt The changing face of the sport and physical activity workforce How people engage in sport and physical activity continues to undergo significant change . Our workforce must respond to this transforming landscape by adapting to new trends , and the demands and evolving expectations of participants . This was a challenge we set ourselves in 2017 ’ s Coaching in an Active Nation and , while progress has been made , it remains a live issue .
This Blueprint recognises coaches as catalysts for positive change . It seeks to provide coaches and the physical activity workforce with the support network they need to ensure they are motivated and trained and continue to develop their skills to enable them to perform at their best for the participants they work with .
This definition challenges us to reconsider how we think about coaching and the physical activity workforce . Some people may not consider themselves as a coach in the traditional sense but they will be using coaching skills to engage people and deliver a great experience , so they will fall under this definition .
Placing greater emphasis on identifying and developing people with these behaviours , values and attitudes , the so-called ‘ soft ’ coaching skills , will be a priority . Finding more people like this will help to produce a new generation of coaches better equipped to engage people and help them change their behaviour .
Increasingly , individuals from diverse backgrounds are stepping into new coaching roles , mirroring the demographics of those they give up their time to support , challenge and inspire .
As coaching shifts focus from technique to the experience people receive , it ’ s crucial to further diversify coaching roles , making them both more accessible for a broader range of individuals , and easier to perform .
A new definition of coaching
Sport England established a new and broader definition of coaching in line with our strategic commitments to support a broader range of participants in sport and physical activity :
“ Improving a person or group ’ s experience of sport and physical activity by providing support and guidance aligned to their needs and aspirations .”
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