sports coach UK has launched a blueprint for a national coaching system, called UK Coaching Framework. It will be a reference point for a UK-wide system that can be tailored to complement the coaching policies and strategies of each Home Country Sports Council (HCSC) and individual sport.

The framework will initially be developed for cricket, hockey, rowing, rugby union, squash and swimming, with the aim of establishing a world-leading coaching system, for these sports by 2016.

Other sports on the list are archery and athletics, badminton, cycling and equestrian, golf, netball, rugby league and tennis. The framework will be shared with international coaching organisations to help measure its success on a global stage, with the aim of ensuring all these sports have a coaching system that is in the world’s top six.

The aim of the framework is to produce skilled coaches who can support children, athletes and players at all levels, to improve participation and performance and to build recognition for coaching as a profession.

“It will raise the standard and sustainability of coaching in the UK, promoting a clear pathway for the development of world-class coaching expertise from grassroots to elite level,” explains Sue Campbell, chair of UK Sport. Sports UK will be spearheading the development of the system, supported by a Coaching Advisory Group that represents all UK governing bodies of sport and sports coach UK.

The Framework has been the subject of extensive consultation between sports governing bodies and the four HCSC since its endorsement at the first UK Coaching Summit in 2006.

The blueprints were officially launched at the third UK Coaching Summit this April.