Top 2012 coaches have their say about recent Games support event

On June 22nd – 23rd the Institute of Sport delivered a 2 day training event specifically focused on the needs of coaches performing at the London 2012 Games. The event was delivered in partnership with An Garda Siochana at the Garda Training College in Templemore, Co. Tipperary. Coaches from 6 sports including Boxing, Sailing, Paralympic Cycling, Paralympic Swimming, Judo, and Badminton completed a range of high stress training exercises involving method actors. This involved simulating some of the key scenarios likely to challenge coaches in a games context.

‘The collaboration with An Garda Siochana has allowed us to tailor our training support in order to replicate some of the key stressors and realities of performing in a games environment. Coaches in attendance demonstrated a high degree of competency in dealing with the simulated training exercises and we are confident that the training will provide a much needed resource come the London 2012 Games’ stated Gary Keegan, Director, Irish Institute of Sport

As part of the Institute’s Pursuit of Excellence Programme, the Institute of Sport has created a games specific coach support programme entitled ‘The Podium Programme’. The Podium Programme offers coaches performing at the London 2012 Games a diverse array of supports involving informal (i.e. mentorship) and formal based (i.e. simulated training events) performance supports. In total 12 coaches from 9 sports have successfully applied to participate in the programme. Coaches have accessed an individual grant aid support designed to build their performance capacity leading into the London 2012 Games. This has led to the recruitment of top mentors, critical expertise and sport specific training. This support will directly influence the performance needs of 29 athletes competing at the London 2012 games.

The feedback from coaches who attended the event pointed to the following performance benefits:

‘The recent PEP event was a much needed performance support event leading into the 2012 Games. The training scenarios and key tips designed to create top performance in high stress scenarios were really beneficial. Both myself and Zauri Antia really benefitted from the training experience’ – Billy Wash, Head Coach, IABA High Performance Unit – Head Coach to 5 boxers at the 2012 games.

‘That was probably the best coaching event I have ever attended.  It was really challenging, specific and rewarding. Congratulations to all involved’ – Ciaran Ward, Judo – Coach to Lisa Kearney, 2012 Olympian.

‘I found that the event was a brilliant education towards making me a more complete coach. I was unsure what to expect from the weekend but I have to say it was a really interesting and challenging two days. In terms of experience, it would be very hard to replicate the tasks you put in place for us and I personally felt that it was the type of challenge I needed to take my performance as coach to another level’ – Daniel MaGee, Badminton – Coach to Chloe MaGee, Olympian

‘The feedback from coaches who participated in the event is very significant given the proximity of this event to the London 2012 Games. The event provided a critical performance support designed to enabled top coaching performance in what is a very challenging performance environment. The collaboration with An Garda Siochana has allowed us to apply a more suitable training format that is designed to test and grow coaching competency in an applied context. We would like to thank all of the Podium coaches and the training staff from An Garda Siochana for making the event a resounding success’ stated Daragh Sheridan, Programme Manager, PEP.

The Institute of Sport would also like to acknowledge Stephen Martin, CEO, Olympic Council of Ireland for delivering an address to coaches at the event. Stephen outlined his experiences of coach performance at the Games and provided coaches will useful insights designed to drive top performance at the games. The next Podium coach support event will take place on October 18th – 19th in the Garda Training College. The event will provide coaches will a range of critical post Games supports designed to assist coaches in making a successful transition from their 2012 Games experience.