Get Inspired: How to get into coaching

You may think that coaches help people of different ages and abilities to develop and improve in sport and physical activity, but actually they do much more.

As defined by Sport England's Coaching Plan for England, coaching 'improves a person's experience of sport and physical activity by providing specialised support and guidance aligned to their individual needs and aspirations.'

In short, coaching is all about people. Great coaching encourages people to be more active, more often. It also brings wide-ranging benefits to participants and the communities in which they live, positively effecting physical and mental well-being, as well as individual, social and economic development.

There are around 3.6million people in the UK coaching sport or physical activity and many of these are coaching without using the title of coach. They are known to their participants as activators, instructors, leaders, teachers or trainers. But no matter what the label, the end result is always the same - by providing great coaching, they are inspiring others and making a difference.

There are many different reasons to become a coach, and the good news is that you don't have to have had a sports background to start. Many people get into coaching as a way of giving back to their community.

Coaching is a great way to express your passion and be actively involved. It will also help you to keep active.

There are many ways in which to get involved, such as assisting at your local park run, instructing a dance class, helping your local club or getting involved in your children's sporting activities.

It's social, it's helpful and most importantly, it's fun.

The best starting place for trying out coaching is to assist a coach. Most coaches will be grateful for any help you can give.

In England, contact your nearest county sports partnership - or contact your home country sports council in Scotland, external, Wales, external or Northern Ireland., external

There are lots of way in which you can get involved, why not try UK Coaching's website, external to get started.

Only 30% of coaches are female - at elite level, the percentage drops to around more like 10%. Helping to address this imbalance is an initiative called Reach - an online resource to support women in coaching. Whether you are just starting to think about getting involved or you already coach and want to develop your skills, Reach, external is a good place to start.

Connected Coaches, external is a free online community for coaches from any sport or physical activity. It's a friendly and supportive place where members pool ideas and solve problems together. The community includes a 'New to Coaching' group where those new to coaching can discuss the specific challenges they face, as well as pick up tips from helpful blogs.

"The most satisfying part of being a coach has to be seeing the little smiles on the kids' faces when they are having fun, whilst they are learning and improving their skills."

Cycling coach, Caitlin Tromans

"I can't pinpoint a day or event where I decided to begin coaching, so the trigger was probably a combination of things: realising there is more to life than work and Game of Thrones; seeing that a lack of javelin coaching in my home town 15 years ago had turned into a complete absence; my waistline! Whatever it was, something clicked and I decided now was the time."

Javelin coach, David Turner

"I hated PE at school. I was clumsy, awkward, and always picked last for the team but I was lucky to discover my local rowing club when I started secondary school, and from then on I grew to love sport and understand the difference it can make to your life. I have a life that continues to be filled with incredible experiences, friendships and opportunities thanks to some of my coaches, which is why I spend my evenings and weekends coaching. I know I can be part of creating a more fulfilling life for my athletes."

Rowing coach, Rachel Hooper

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What Next?

If you're interested in getting into coaching, follow @_UKCoaching, external on Twitter for the latest news and information. You can also find resources at the UK Coaching website, external including a workshop finder, external to discover activities near you.