Mentoring
I can't describe how good I felt at that moment I had learned and he had learned, but there was no one there to take credit. There was only the glimmer of a realisation that we were both participating in a wonderful process (WT Gallwey, The Inner Game of Tennis)
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is nothing new, particularly in sport. We have all turned to an experienced friend or colleague for advice, especially when we are learning something new or are facing a new challenge. What is new is the concept of using a mentor in a more structured way to help guide coaches through a challenging learning process.
Mentoring can be a truly rewarding experience for both mentor and coach. It can be an invaluable tool for developing coaches, for sharing knowledge and skills, for revealing new ways of doing things and helping coaches to engage in life-long learning for the benefits of athletes at every level.
Mentors in Bedfordshire and Luton
team BEDS&LUTON, in partnership with sports coach UK, are beginning to implement a mentoring project for sports coaches across the County. We are aiming to identify and train mentors to provide a service to sports coaches wishing to develop their skills by learning from others. The scheme will encourage mentors and coaches from different sports to work together, enabling coaches to gain an insight into how other sports coaches work and share best practice in generic coaching skills. There will also be the opportunity for technical and sport specific development by pairing mentors and coaches from the same sports.
If you feel as though a mentor would be able to enhance your development as a coach or club, contact Laura Swanston on 01582 813764 or laura@teambedsandluton.co.uk.
You can also contact: Melissa Bennett at team BEDS&LUTON on 01582 813761 For Sports specific enquires contact:
Catherine Lymer (Hockey) on 01234 316068 or 07742 898279
Alison Brightman (Netball) on 01582 813762 or 07884 491516
Kevin England (Football) on 01582 565111 or 07984 308550
Becoming a Mentor
At present team BEDS&LUTON are selecting mentors to fill current requirements. However, if you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentoring for your club please contact a member of the team above.
Mentors are expected to:
- Attend the scUK Guide to Mentoring Sports Coaches Workshop.
- Attend (or previous attendance) at Bedfordshire and Luton Sport Minimum Operating Standards workshops (Good Practice & Child Protection/Equity in Your Coaching/How to Coach Disabled People in Sport)
- Complete the sports coach UK coach profile and induction
- Attend sports coach UK mentoring 'How to and Analysing your Coaching' full or tailored workshops as advised by the Coach Development Officer
- Complete a Personal Development Plan to support your own continuous professional development
Benefits for Mentors
- Further training/ qualifications
- Increased job opportunities
- Financial incentives
- Additional resources/ newsletter
Behind every successful person, there is one elementary truth; somewhere, somehow, someone cared about their growth and development. This person was their mentor (Dr Beverley Kaye, Up is Not the Only Way, 1997)
