Over the past decade, the sports industry has undergone a significant transformation, and the role of coaches has become increasingly critical in shaping the success of athletes and teams. As the demand for recreational activities continues to rise, there is a growing need for coaches to help individuals and teams achieve their goals. However, attracting new coaches can be challenging, especially in a highly competitive market. This changing landscape of sport means that coaches must continually evolve their skills and knowledge to stay relevant and effective.
Chris Hurley’s 25 years of coaching experience is a testament to the importance of building the capacity of the coaching network to adapt to the changing landscape of sport. Initially focused on coaching masters age group paddlers, Chris’s coaching role expanded to include junior paddlers in more recent years. He has been instrumental in preparing several junior paddlers who are now with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Australian teams. Chris has also been working with several schools across the Gold Coast to make kayaking a sport option for students through their PE programs. These sessions, which run by school terms, focus on having fun on the water while developing an interest in the sport. Chris commends the commitment of volunteers at his club in developing programs which inspire new participants to get out on the water. Coaches like Chris, who have been able to evolve and adapt, have played a crucial role in supporting the individual needs of each participant to learn and grow.Â
Building the capacity of the coaching network involves creating opportunities for coaches to develop new skills and knowledge, stay up to date with emerging trends, and exchange ideas and best practices. Recently, Chris expressed his excitement about the Paddle Australia Learning and Development project, which recognises the importance of coaches in the sport. Through the project, coaches like Chris will have access to a range of resources and training opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge further. These resources will provide coaches with the tools they need to support their paddlers effectively and help build a stronger coaching network where coaches can share ideas and best practices with each other. Chris is excited about the roll out of the program, he sees value in using the program to better support junior athletes who are transitioning into coaching positions in his club, providing a function for them to stay involved in paddling. This approach is an excellent way of ensuring that the club’s coaching standards remain high while providing opportunities for younger paddlers to develop their skills and knowledge. One of the key goals of the project is to create connections within the paddling community, both among coaches and between coaches and athletes, to strengthen the coaching network’s capacity.
The Paddle Australia Learning and Development Project’s focus on creating connections with and between its community is critical to supporting the capacity of the coaching network. By building a more collaborative, supportive, and inclusive coaching network, coaches can feel empowered to develop their skills and knowledge, better support their athletes, and contribute to the growth and success of the sport.
Would you like to find out more about the Paddle Australia Learning and Development project? Follow the link HERE.Â
