There are just two weeks left to apply for this year’s Level 3 Head Coach Award in table tennis.

The qualification is suitable for learners who have completed the UKCC Level 2 and want to take the next step on the coaching pathway, whether they are a coach who works with beginners, through to those working with talented athletes.

This year’s course will begin in November, with applications being accepted until August 31st.

The course has been heavily oversubscribed in recent years, with over 25 people applying for the available 12 places.

Designed by Table Tennis England and the University of Gloucestershire, it focuses on each candidate’s individual coaching needs and is designed to support the environment a coach coaches within, such as Performance, Participation and Disability.

The course will help coaches develop and master an array of cognitive and transferable skills alongside a complex blend of knowledge and theories.

The development of such knowledge and skills will enhance coaches’ abilities to manage and engage in informed decision-making within sports coaching.

Aled Howell, Coaching and Education Manager at Table Tennis England said:

We are aiming to create a growth mind-set within the coaching pathway.

Linking with the University has provided us with the ideal learning experience with expert insight and knowledge.

By blending both table tennis knowledge with academic knowledge we’ve created a course, that regardless of where you coach, you can utilise the skills and tools provided to improve the playing environment.

The course takes 12 months to complete and costs £950. See below for further details on the course:

Course content:

Contact days

The course comprises four full days of face-to-face learning.

Two of these are theory-based sessions led by University of Gloucestershire staff at Oxstalls Campus, and two are practical sessions led by Table Tennis England national coaches at the University of Nottingham.

Online learning

Working with the University and Table Tennis England, coaches will also individually select a number of online modules delivered through the University. These will be solely focused on areas that interest you as a coach or areas that, alongside the University and Table Tennis England, you believe you need to develop.

Assessment

Assessment methods are varied and include mentored practice, practical assessment and a completed portfolio. Coaches will update their portfolio in partnership with their mentor throughout the entire process.

Fees

Fee for the course is £950. This covers university registration, online library access with the university, tutorial support and mentor support, in addition to the four contact days. The only additional costs are associated are travel and accommodation of residential weekends, meeting personal computing needs (internet access is, of course, essential). For those seeking funding advice, UK Coaching has produced a guide on funding opportunities for coaches: https://www.ukcoaching.org/resources/guides/funding-opportunities-for-coaching

To register for the course, download the application form below.