The module aims to provide students with an introduction to the coaching process and an awareness of the different strategies to employ when working with different groups with diverse needs. You will gain experience of working with a range of individuals who are responsible for adapting activities to ensure that specific demographics can access physical activity and sport. These adapted activities that you will experience include blind football, goalball, walking football, amongst other adapted activities in a range of sports. Principles of effective planning (aims, structure, progression, differentiation, inclusivity, etc.), organising (consideration of facilities, equipment, undertaking a risk assessment), delivery (practical considerations, confidence, impression management, etc.) and reflecting on coaching sessions (both in-action and on-action) will be covered in lectures, and further developed in practical sessions. Theory and practical applications of differentiation and inclusivity will be explored in-depth, with the STEP principle used to guide students in adapting and leading activities.

There are two pieces of summative assessment for this module. They are as follows:
1) You will be required to plan a coaching session for a group with specific needs and deliver the session/ support a session during class-time. This will assess LO1 and 2 and has a weighting of 50%.
2) After leading the delivery/supporting the delivery of a practical coaching session, you will be required to produce a 10-minute video reflection on the tutor and peer feedback received from your session and the effectiveness of your planning, highlighting strengths and areas of improvement for future practice and planning. This will assess LO3 of the module and has a weighting of 50%.

This module incorporates a tutor-lead lecture programme and practical sessions. In some instances, however, student-lead sessions with the tutor facilitating will be utilised. Students will be required to conduct tutor-directed independent study, as well as student-lead enquiry and reading into research around coaching topics covered in the module. Students will have to observe experienced coaches and assist an experienced coach to further develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of sport coaching across a range of populations. Student-lead independent study will be required specifically for assessment preparation.

1. Develop an idea of a relevant coaching session topic to a specific population.
Communication, Knowledge and understanding

2. Demonstrate the ability of planning to deliver a coaching practical showing knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated to coaching a specific sport.

Communication Knowledge and understanding Learning Application

3. Reflect on your own ability to plan a coaching practical Reflection Communication

Appropriately and adequately equipped facilities for the practical activity to be undertaken (typically AstroTurf pitch or sports hall)
Appropriately and adequately stocked library facilities
Adequate supply of relevant video materials

Cope, E., & Partington, M. (2019). Sports Coaching: A Theoretical and Practical Guide. Routledge, Abingdon.
Lyle, J., & Cushion, C. (2017). Sport Coaching Concepts: A Framework for Coaching Practice (2nd Ed.). Routledge, Abingdon.
Gill, A.G. (2021). Foundations in Sports Coaching. Routledge, Abingdon.

Sport is part of life, enjoyed and participated by a vast array of diverse communities. As such, this module provides you with the experiences, theoretical insight and coaching experience to accumulate skills that enable you to effectively coach practical sessions to a diverse range of populations throughout the community. During the module you will be introduced to the fundamental coaching skills within both class and practically applied based settings, having the opportunity to observe and support experienced coaching practitioners. You will then be challenged to reflect on your ability to apply the theory in your coaching practice in order to become more informed and effective coaches.