Partnership supports upskilling local sports coaches

The Guernsey Sports Commission is delighted to have successfully completed its external validation as a 1^st4Sport qualifications centre. This means that the Commission, with its existing relationship with UK Coaching, has enabled Guernsey to be fully self-sufficient in qualifying coaches whilst also supporting the regular checks and CPD updates required by many sports.

Within the suite of courses, the Commission can now run Multi-Skills development courses at Level 1 and 2, as well as the Level 3 First Aid at work qualification. That is then complemented by workshops on safeguarding and training for sport’s welfare officers. This will not only increase the availability of training it will also make it more affordable.

Steve Melbourne has also joined the Sports Commission on a part-time basis to lead on the Commission’s workforce development programme, including overseeing the partnerships with UK Coaching and 1^st4Sport.

‘Steve is a highly experienced coach developer, and it has been fantastic working with him over the past year to get this over the line,’ said Jeremy Frith, the Commission’s Performance Director.

‘From here we aim to work with a number of our partners, including member sports, but also the schools and colleges to increase the availability of training and development opportunities to people in Guernsey.

Steve says he is looking forward to the opportunity to help upskill the island’s coaching workforce.

‘Having a well-qualified coaching workforce is essential to ensuring that sport in the island is well-run, safe and accessible,’ said Steve.

‘Being able to offer as much as possible on-Island is also a huge benefit and this partnership with UK Coaching and 1^st4Sport will really allow us to grow our own and support the continued development of our sports.’

Some of the courses have already started including the Level 2 Multi-Skills and Level 3 First Aid at Work and over the coming weeks the Commission will be putting together a portfolio and pricing structure of what will be on offer.

For more information on how the Sports Commission can support you, your sport or your school click here or contact jeremy.frith@gov.gg