In recent years the government has started to focus on the professionlisation of the coaching industry. Historically each governing body for sport had developed their own unique coaching qualification structure which has resulted in differentiation between Wales and the other Home Countries. The UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) is an initiative to standardise coach education programmes across 31 sports within the UK. As well as each sport having a unique sports specific element there will be additional generic elements that are similar across all sports. It is hoped therefore that the UKCC will not only allow for a standard approach but will enhance and ensure quality within the qualifications.

Therefore by the end of 2007 a five level UK wide framework for coaching qualifications will be in place through the UKCC pathway.

To a coach this will mean:

• Any qualification you achieve will be recognised anywhere in the UK;
• You can transfer your qualifications across to other sports more easily, and it will be transferable across the Home Countries;
• The training provision will be quality assured;
• The administration and management structure in place will be quality assured.

This will lead to a more professional and effective coach education system. Click here to find out more about the UKCC.

As a result of the introduction of the UKCC each National Governing body has produced an individual COACHING PLAN. The aims of the coaching plan is to:

• Increase the numbers of coaches, leaders and instructors both voluntary and professional (MORE COACHES);
• Increase the quality of coaching throughout Wales (BETTER COACHES)

As a result of a needs analysis, the National Governing Bodies will be well placed and better able to produce a co-ordinated approach to the training, employment, deployment and management of the coaches.