Team Bath Netball have once again signaled their commitment to developing the next generation of performance coaches by launching the Apprentice Coach Programme for the 2016-17 season.
The Blue and Gold coaching workforce is growing to cope with the demands of an expanded ten-team Vitality Superleague, as well as the National Performance League (NPL) and National Performance Futures League (NPFL) competitions.
Team Bath are keen to hear from coaches with the potential, drive, determination and commitment to work with players in a performance environment, with applications for the 2016-17 programme closing on Thursday, August 18.
It is being overseen by experienced coach Denise Ellis, who has worked with Team Bath players across all age groups and is part of the England Netball U21 support team in Jamaica this week.
“Team Bath recognise the importance of succession planning for our coaches and therefore we are committed to developing coaches’ expertise in the performance environment by expanding their insight, broadening their knowledge and influencing their coaching practice,” she said.
“The Apprentice scheme offers the opportunity for aspiring coaches to not only enhance their knowledge, skills and behaviours when working with performance athletes on the court but also engage with some of the skills required by a coach in the performance environment off the court.”
This is the third year that the Apprentice Coach Programme has been run, in partnership with Netball South West, providing a number of coaches with their first important steps on the performance pathway.
David White said: “Taking part in the Team Bath Apprentice Coach Scheme was quite possibly the best thing I’ve done in netball. It gave me an amazing opportunity to be part of an elite set-up and to learn from some of the best people in the sport.
“The range of workshops and coach education sessions was excellent and always varied. The thing I liked was as much importance was placed on getting things right off the court as well as on it, with workshops taking into account match preparation, bench handling and various aspects of season planning.
“The experience has definitely helped my coaching in many ways, again, both on and off the court. There is no doubt any apprentice coach would benefit from being part of this excellent scheme.”
Leanne Lewis added: “I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to access support via the Team Bath Apprentice Scheme. I have attended a range of workshops, observed Superleague training and been mentored, experiences that have undoubtedly had a positive impact on my development.
“The individuals delivering the workshops are recognised as leaders both within and outside of netball. Their sessions have been thought-provoking, challenging and applicable to me as an aspiring coach.
“Through the scheme I have developed a network of support that I will continue to access and value on my coaching journey.”
Applicants for the programme must be have a UKCC Level 2 qualification and demonstrate a keen interest in coaching as part of a performance environment.
An independent panel will review the applications, with interviews and practical sessions taking place at the University of Bath during September if required.
Successful applicants will work alongside current Superleague, NPL, NPFL and Team Bath Futures coaches at training sessions and matches, and will be expected to attend all workshops and regional events as directed.
Jess Thirlby, Director of Netball at Team Bath, said: “We have a proud history of developing coaches and, with Denise’s leadership and guidance, we are well equipped to ensure that as a franchise we continue to celebrate the great work the coaching fraternity does at all levels.
“The Apprentice Coach programme was born two years ago and I am passionate about continuing to provide the opportunities for coaches that were afforded to me. All of us at Team Bath believe in lifelong learning and we look forward to welcoming a new cohort of coaches onto this year’s programme.”
For more information or to request an application form, email netball@bath.ac.uk or call 01225 383791 or 01225 384005.
Report courtesy of the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd.
