Partnership strengthens German Olympic coaching programme

Academics from the University's School of Sport are working with the German Olympic Coach Development Programme to provide academic training for coaches based at the Trainerakademie; Germany's coaches' academy in Cologne, which represents Germany's 46 national sports federations.

The agreement allows coaches who complete the three-year Trainerakademie Coaching Diploma to progress with advanced standing onto the University's established MSc Sport Coaching degree.

Speaking about the announcement, Andy Abraham, Academic Group Lead for Sport Coaching at Leeds Metropolitan University, said: "There is clear synergy between the Diploma and our own MSc. Both programmes are grounded in the belief that the development of expertise in coaching takes place over time. This development is driven by high quality coaching experiences guided by theory and evidenced-based planning and reflections.

"Building on the Diploma, we will provide an integrated learning experience that continues to challenge the coaches to reflect on their practice, explore their decision-making and seek opportunities to optimise their coaching practice.

"Sport Coaching across the world is now working towards a professionalisation agenda, guided by the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) Sport Coaching Framework written in collaboration with Leeds Met. In order to facilitate this agenda it is important that coach learning and practice is recognised through formal higher education awards. This agreement continues our goal to work with established coach development organisations to formally recognise and support the development of effective coaching and coach development practice."

Professor Lutz Nordmann of the German Trainerakademie added: "With this specially designed programme, our Diploma coaches get the opportunity to earn a degree at a university which is internationally recognised as being amongst the finest in the area of coach education. In addition to the great reputation this training also enhances the international exchange and mobility across Europe for our German coaches."