UK Coaching Annual Review 2018-2019 UK Coaching Annual Review 2018-2019 | Page 29

Communities of Learning for Talent Coaches
The purpose of our Talent Clusters is to create communities of
learning for like-minded talent coaches, across a variety of sports.
Each cluster has a theme or focus
based on an approach, person,
philosophy, area of insight, shared
experience or system. Through each
‘theme’, coaches had the opportunity
to come together and learn from one
Charlotte’s Story
Manchester United Women’s
Super League Academy Manager
and U21 Head Coach Charlotte
Healey attended one such event in
Manchester, which was delivered
by former-British and Irish Lions’
Director of Operations, Guy
Richardson. He spoke about how he
created an optimum environment
for success during his time on the
job.
another, share experiences and gain
insight. Themes included: ‘Experiences
of a jet instructor – a journey through
pilot training and the development
of expertise’; ‘Developing physical
and psychological resilience in young
“
performers’; ‘What being in the
special forces taught me’; ‘Experiences
in high-performance team sport’,
and ‘Well-being, mental health and
coaching’. The themes emerged
through discussions with coaches and
governing bodies of sport.
It was without doubt the best CPD event I’ve attended. I took so
much from the day that I immediately tried to apply into my work.
To this day, I reflect on my delivery and how I can do better to
integrate some of the learning I took from the Talent Cluster. Guy
was funny, innovative and very knowledgeable in his work. He told
stories that resonated with me that I took back into my working
environment and relayed to others. His positivity in the mantra
‘if not me, then who?!’ and his analogy of ‘putting yourself in a
position where luck bounces your way’ really stuck with me.
Since that event, I’ve moved on to a different role where I now
manage a multi-disciplinary team of my own. I often think back
to this workshop and try to apply and implement the key learning
into my day-to-day work. Overall, it gave me a clear understanding
of all the little things that make up a successful environment.”
Manchester United Women’s Super League Academy Manager and U21 Head
Coach, Charlotte Healey
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