Coaches Conference
Coaches from all sports and levels gathered at East Durham College, Peterlee this weekend to enjoy the County Durham Sport Coaches Conference.
On Saturday 4 July, coaches listened to a keynote speech by the renowned coach Dr Frank Dick OBE and had the chance to take part in two coach development workshops which he delivered, as well as other workshops on topics such as managing challenging behaviour, strength and conditioning and fitness testing. They also pedalled the way to their own smoothies on the Blendavenda cycle. And if that was too much exertion, Neil Sleeman from Platinum Physiotherapy & Personal Training was on hand to massage any tired muscles.
On Sunday 5 July, Jeff Brown from BBC Look North hosted a Q&A session where Geoff Cook of Durham County Cricket Club, Fab Flournoy of Newcastle Eagles Basketball and John Herdman of New Zealand Women’s Football Team shared their experiences as coaches. The three coaches then led practical master classes, where coaches attending the conference benefitted from seeing them deliver a coaching session firsthand. Luisa Calvo from Wicked Caricatures was also on hand to provide sporting caricatures of guests and volunteers.
Sandy Mitchell, Acting Director of County Durham Sport said: “We want to thank all the coaches and volunteers involved for making this weekend worthwhile for those attending. It has been great to see coaches learning from top level coaches and athletes as well as sharing knowledge between themselves.”
"Dr Frank Dick OBE's keynote speech was inspirational and we were incredibly lucky to have him deliver two follow-up workshops on coach development. Coaches don't often get the chance to learn from such high-level coaches as Frank Dick at such an intimate level."
Refreshments over the two days were provided by Glaceau Vitamin Water and Peters Cathedral Bakers Ltd. Coaches also left with goodie bags filled with useful items provided by Beaver Business Gifts.
See the photos here!
See what workshop tutor Nick Grantham had to say about the event on his blog here