Develop your coaching skills via Ignite Sport UK's free and flexible Step Up in Coaching programme

Are you a sports coach wanting to upskill your coaching performance and session planning ability? 

If so our flexible four-week online programme that provides an industry recognised qualification delivered by expert tutors could be just the ticket for you. And it is free to sign-up.  

Ignite Sport UK provides Step Up in Coaching free of charge to all adults living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey.  

Suitable for adults aged 19+, Step Up in Coaching combines Active IQ’s Level 2 Certificate in Delivering Health Related Activity Sessions through blended learning workshops, tasks, and resources to help take your sports coaching to the next level.  

Jo Hyams, Wantage Girls U12s coach, is one of the programme’s latest graduates. She completed the programme while working full-time. She was able to submit her portfolio work remotely meaning Step Up in Coaching could fit around her busy lifestyle.  

She is an FA Level 1 qualified coach and was keen to develop her understanding of the different formats, practices and concepts of football coaching before studying towards a Level 2 qualification.  

“I wanted to gain as much practical experience as possible before working towards my FA Level 2 coaching badge,” said Jo. “Understanding that my technical ability and knowledge of football is still developing, I wasn’t ready to step up to FA Level 2  

“I needed to do something to progress my Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and improve my knowledge.”  

Jo discovered our free Step Up in Coaching programme which is suitable for Level 1, 2, and 3 coaches plus those without a formal sports coaching certification or qualification via Instagram.  

She added: “When I saw Step Up in Coaching was free, I jumped at the opportunity to sign up.  

“The course was fully flexible, and I was able to work on and submit my portfolio work around my lifestyle with four two-hour Zoom calls scheduled in advance.”  

To complete her Step Up in Coaching programme and receive her Level 2 Certificate in Delivering Health Related Activity sessions, Jo worked closely with UEFA A Licensed FA Coach Educator and Ignite Sport UK Director Justin Merritt and Mark Haining, Ignite Sport UK Adult Education Manager plus coach Aliyah Anthony.    

Following the completion of her portfolio, Mark observed a practical session delivered by Jo and provided feedback via Zoom before her certification was signed off.  

“My Step Up in Coaching experience was seamless and organised very efficiently,” added Jo. “For me, it was important I built my confidence in delivering football as swimming is my first passion.  

“I know there are better technical coaches out there, but I now have the confidence in knowing what I deliver is correct. It’s great for the parents of the girls I coach too, they see me working hard to develop my skills and it reflects not only well on myself but the club too.”  

Starting next week, we will be delivering six new Step Up in Coaching programmes through online workshops, catch up meetings and practical support and observations. Each course will be spread out across a month.  

So, what would Jo’s word of advice be to anyone considering enrolling onto the programme?  

“Go for it,” she said. “Step Up in Coaching provides a great progression pathway for any coach looking to add to their skillset regardless of the sport they coach.  

“It’s free, takes up little time and comes with a recognised qualification at the end. I have even found elements of the course useful in my full-time job where planning is a key responsibility.  

“I’d advise anyone interested to get in touch with the Ignite team.”  

To sign up to our latest Step Up in Coaching programmes please visit Step Up in Coaching! | Ignite Sport (ignitesportuk.com) where full sign-up details are available.