Introduction

Producing better coaches in order to produce better players is a major objective for the ECB/CW and we are keen to do all we can to ensure your first experience of cricket coach education is as enjoyable and inspiring as possible. As an aspiring coach, your welfare and development is a primary concern for us and we are keen that you select the most appropriate course for your own needs.  New coaches are encouraged to become members of the GACC and ECBCA and, while most start off by coaching clubs, some move on to coaching the Gwent Young Cricketers  and Wales squads.

The ECB/CW coaching philosophy relates to all of our courses and consists of the following:- 

Good coaching is about:

• Coaching people not just cricket
• Helping people to grow and develop
• Being open and accessible to all
• Providing a safe and fun environment in which people, particularly children and young people, can enjoy their first experience of cricket, gain some success and be motivated to want to go on playing

The following information is designed to provide you with guidance on which ECB Coach Education course to attend. There is an explanation of the role of the ECB Coaching Assistant and ECB Coach. There is also information on the respective course requirements as well as some additional guidance, which may help you decide which course to attend.

Coaching Assistant (UKCC 1)

The UKCC Level 1 course will be suitable for you if you have limited cricket experience and / or no coaching experience.  It is designed to help you to “assist more qualified coaches, delivering aspects of coaching sessions, normally under the direct supervision of an ECB Coach”.  This may include:

• Running Warm ups / cool downs
• Organising Small sided games
• Coaching Small groups

 Course requirements: 

• 4 x 3 hour modules. These are normally delivered over a week.
• Practical coaching assessment
• Multiple Choice Questionnaire

 We will provide you with a variety of resources to support your learning and enable you to fulfil the role of the coaching assistant. These will include coaching cards, a DVD and a workbook. 

Coach Award (UKCC 2)

The UKCC Level 2 course will be suitable for you if you have played cricket and have knowledge of some of the rules and techniques involved in playing the game.  The Coach Award Course is designed to help you “prepare for, deliver and review cricket coaching sessions”.  This role may include: 

• Planning coaching sessions
• Leading coaching sessions on developing player’s technique
• Running games to promote learning
• Developing ways of improving player’s fitness and concentration
• Managing net practice

 Course Requirements: 

• 8 x 3 hour modules. These are usually delivered on 4 days over a 4-week period.
• Practical Coaching Assessment
• Multiple Choice Questionnaire
• Supported coaching practice - this requires the coach to be able to work in a coaching environment and deliver a series of coaching sessions. This may be in a club or school environment that may be provided by county boards in cases where coaches have no existing options. Coaches should be able to be supervised by a more qualified coach whilst doing their supported practice. This will give you an opportunity to develop your coaching skills ‘out in the field’.

We will provide you with a variety of resources to support your learning and enable you to fulfil the role of the Coach. These will include coaching cards, a DVD and a workbook. Coaches will also be given a logbook to help them with their coaching practice out in the field.

ECB Club Coach Award

The ECB Club Coach qualification is designed for coaches working in club and school environments who have access and responsibility for the development of players in addition to improving and driving forward their coaching skills.

The prerequisites for coaches wishing to attend a Club Coach Assessment Day are:

• Attendance at all 6 ECB Coach Development Workshops

• ECB Level II coaches wishing to do the Club Coach qualification do not have to attend all the CDWs but may decide to attend specific workshops as a way of preparing for the Club Coach assessment. (Note: The assessment is focused on the skills and knowledge within the 6 CDWs)

• An ECB Coach (UKCC2) qualification or an ECB Level II qualification

• ECB Coaches Association Membership (the benefits of membership are numerous and include insurance cover as well as being able to access top quality coaching resources that supplement information delivered through the Coach Development Workshops. Please refer to www.ecbca.co.uk for more details of membership benefits.)

• An ECB CRB clearance

• A current GPCP / Safeguarding & Protecting Children certificate

• A current and recognised First Aid qualification

Qualification Details:

The assessment will be based upon information delivered in the Coach Development Workshops and a Club Coach Information Booklet containing additional information specific to the Club Coach role which will be sent to coaches before their assessment day.  Coaches will be assessed on their ability to observe and analyse players through video analysis. They will also be assessed on how well they are able to work with a small group of players on tactical development in a net situation.  During this net session, they will be assessed on their ability to apply information shared through the workshops. This includes communication skills and the ability to observe and analyse player performance in practice scenarios

ECB Cricket Young Leaders Award

The aim of this Award is to:

• Raise the cricket profile within a Young Leadership role
• Inspire Young Leaders to get actively involved with cricket
• Help provide additional support for KWIK cricket tournaments
• To help develop generic leaderships skills in a cricket context
• Identify potential pathways for Young Leaders in cricket

Target audience

• Age 14 – 18 years

This may include:

• Students at specialist sports colleges and secondary schools to enable them to work with younger age group students
• Young people assisting with local cricket activities as a volunteer

Course structure

• 6 hours – this may be delivered as 1 x6, 2x3, 3x2 hours sessions
• Can be run as an independent bolt on to Sports Leaders UK Award in Community Sports Leadership and Sports Leaders UK Award in Junior Sports Leadership

Note: The course consists of practical sessions and short theory sessions that may be run in a safe area of a sports hall / sports pitch.