UK Sport has today announced the fourth intake of emerging high performance coaches, who will make up the diverse 12 strong cohort of the 2012-14 Elite Coaching Apprenticeship Programme (ECAP).
ECAP is targeted at emerging coaches already working in the high performance system, enabling them to not only have an enhanced impact in the short term, but also to become the elite coaches of the future.
The programme promotes a collaborative approach between the National Governing Bodies (NGB) and UK Sport, providing coaches with a two-year accelerated development opportunity to hone the skills, knowledge and experiences to deliver results consistently within high performance sport.
The programme will combine ‘on the job’ training, with the Apprentice working alongside the Master Coach within the NGB, complemented by a structured workshop programme.
Disability Swimming is participating in ECAP for the first time after nominating one of its rising coaches in Rob Aubry.
John Atkinson, National Performance Director of British Disability Swimming, said: “We are delighted that Rob Aubry has been successful in joining the 2012-14 Elite Coaching Apprenticeship Programme. This is a fantastic opportunity for him to continue his development within the sport and learn from others around him to take his coaching to the next level.”
Rob’s Master Coach, Billy Pye, said: “It is an honour to have been chosen to work with a talented coach like Rob. It is so important to upskill our coaches and I will share as much of my knowledge and experience as possible to move him up to the world class level. For me the ECAP is a great programme for accelerating Rob’s current experience and getting him ready to be one of our best coaches in the future.”
Continuing the theme of firsts for the 2012-14 ECAP intake, British Bob Skeleton has also successfully nominated Chris Type as an Apprentice Coach.
Chris said: “I am really pleased to have this fantastic opportunity to be involved in such a bespoke coaching programme. The interaction between coaches, master coaches and mentors from other sports will truly support my need to develop both personally and professionally. This unique learning environment will act as a catalyst to my coaching future and the development of British Skeleton athletes for years to come.”
Sarah Craven, Elite Coaching Apprenticeship Programme Manager at UK Sport, spoke about the programme. She said: “We are delighted to announce the fourth intake on to the Elite Coaching Apprenticeship Programme. The partnership approach with sports is integral to the success of the programme, which continues to evolve alongside the needs of the coaches and high performance system.
"Obtaining a place on the programme has become extremely competitive, with each of the Apprentice Coaches demonstrating how the programme would support them in becoming truly World Class. What is equally as exciting is the vast amount of knowledge and experience the Master Coaches possess, many of whom were integral to the success at London 2012 and the Apprentice Coaches will benefit hugely from accessing their expertise. I am confident the cohort will fully maximise the opportunity ECAP presents and look forward to supporting them on their two year journey.”
A full list of Apprentice coaches, along with their respective Master Coach and Mentor, is detailed below.
Sport Apprentice - Coach - Master Coach
British Bob Skelton - Chris Type - Andi Schmid
GB Canoeing (Sprint) - Steve Train - Mark Ratcliffe
British Cycling - Matt Winston - Dan Hunt
Disability Swimming - Rob Aubry - Billy Pye
British Diving - Tom Owens - Steve Gladding
Para-Cycling - Tom Stanton - Chris Furber
Para-Equestrian - Nina Venables - Michel Assouline
GB Rowing - Neasa Folan - Paul Reedy
Sailing - Jonny McGovern - Matt Howard
Short Track Speed Skating - Paul Worth - Nicky Gooch
Swimming - Andi Manley - Mark Perry
Wheelchair Tennis - Ash Smith - Karen Ross