Certificate in Sports Coach Development

Aim

The Certificate in Sports Coach Development (formerly known as the Level 2 Coach Developer programme) is for experienced sports coaches who want to be involved in the development and support of coaches within their sport.

The programme will

Enable learners to deliver coach education courses accredited under the Coaching Development Programme for Ireland (CDPI) within a National Governing Body of sport
Design and deliver coach support programmes in both formal and non-formal settings
Enable learners to help coaches reach the level and standard of coaching they aspire to
Empower learners to take responsibility for their own learning and the learning of others in the sports coaching sector.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should

Hold an NGB coaching qualification CDPI Level 2 or higher (or the highest level NGB coach award) or be an NGB staff member with a specific role in the delivery of coach education
Be actively coaching for at least five years
Be nominated by an NGB
Minimum 18 years of age
IELTS Level 6 or equivalent (for applicants whose first language is not English).

If you wish to apply for non-standard entry or advanced entry to the programme or exemption from certain modules/elements of the programme, please refer to our procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning

Duration

The programme involves two stages. Stage 1 is delivered directly by Sport Ireland Coaching over ten contact days (usually five weekends over six months) with activities to complete in between the contact periods. Stage 2 takes place in the NGB where learners apply the knowledge and skills learned in Stage 1 in a sport-specific setting under the guidance of the NGB. The programme can take 12-18 months to complete.

Award

The programme is recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and is included on the National Framework of Qualifications as a Level 7 Special Purpose Award in Sports Coach Development (PG24650). Learners who complete the qualification will receive a QQI certificate and 45 credits, which they can use to access Further and Higher Education. Learners will also receive a Sport Ireland Coaching certificate.

Contact

For further information about the programme, please read the Programme Brochure and the Learner and NGB Information Packs. Requests for further information can be sent to coachinginfo@sportireland.ie