Rave reviews for coaching workshop

A one day pilot to launching a new coaching workshop has been hailed a huge success.

The PGA of Ireland has teamed up with Sport Northern Ireland to create a coaching platform for PGA Professionals working with children.

Entitled, Excellent Golf Coaching for Children’, the workshop is tailored for pros coaching predominantly beginners or children on Junior Golf Ireland programmes.

A one day pilot took place at Lurgan Golf Club and was delivered by PGA and Sport Northern Ireland tutors.

The day consisted of both classroom and practical activities covering topics such as multiple outcome coaching, long term involvement in sport, the fundamentals of movement, how children learn, deliberate play and practice.

Twelve PGA Professionals attended and were given the opportunity to demonstrate their ideas and drills and learn best practice from the tutors and from each other another.

“I always thought I wasn't technical in my junior coaching but I realise now that I can coach in a way where the children learn more exploring things by themselves and giving it a go as opposed to me just telling them what to do, where to stand, etc,” said one coach.

Peter McCarroll from Allen Park Golf Centre in Antrim, added: “I went away with a lot of fresh ideas to improve me as a coach and in turn improve my business.”

Niamh Kitching, coach education manager for The PGA, said: “The day was very positive from all points of view. It was great to have the support and knowledge of the experts in Sport NI. We got some good feedback from the coaches which will help us to progress the workshop from this pilot stage to full delivery.”

David Smyth, Sport Northern Ireland’s coaching consultant paid tribute to the work of The PGA and its members coaching skills.

“It is widely acknowledged that the needs of children in sport are very different to adults,” he said.

“Therefore, The PGA’s approach to this particular area of work is extremely encouraging and the development of a specific programme of support for their professional coaches is to be welcomed and applauded.”

‘Excellent Golf Coaching for Children’ will be rolled out to PGA Professionals across the country from Autumn 2013.

For more information contact Niamh Kitching on niamh.kitching@pga.org.uk or +44(0)7553379187.