On Sunday 9 March, Manawatu Gymsports proudly hosted an extraordinary youth coach development workshop that left attendees feeling motivated and empowered. The first-of-its-kind event (outside of Youth Coach Connect) welcomed 22 passionate youth coaches from three clubs: Manawatu Gymsports, Gymnastica, and Omni Gymnastic Centre, and was presented by the dynamic duo Alanah McLeod and Kylan Taylor from Manawatu.
The day was packed with insightful learning, hands-on activities, and lively interaction. To ensure a practical approach, a group of enthusiastic gymnasts joined the workshop, not only assisting with hands-on demonstrations but also providing valuable feedback to the coaches. These gymnasts embraced the opportunity to step outside their usual training routines, participating in fun role-playing scenarios that created specific learning environments for the coaches.
Breaking Down Youth Coaching
The workshop focused on breaking down the core elements of youth coaching, covering topics like skill breakdown, circuit development, and class management. It aimed to equip young coaches with tools and strategies tailored for coaching their peers.
Each participant received a symbolic “toolbox” to collect ideas, strategies, comments, and discoveries during the day—something to take home as a resource for their ongoing coaching journey.
Tailored Learning and Skill Development
To kick things off, participants explored different coaching styles. Discussions delved into the benefits and barriers of each style and how to adapt them to the needs of specific sessions and athletes. The key takeaway: a great coach adapts their style to fit the moment and the individuals they are working with.
The workshop then shifted to a hands-on learning phase. Participants had previously completed questionnaires, sharing the areas and skills where they sought additional guidance in their coaching. These collective responses were used to form two specialized groups, ensuring the sessions were tailored to the specific needs and interests of the attending coaches.
Group one worked on rolls, handstands, cartwheels, and walkovers, while group two tackled round-offs, flic-flics, and connected tumbling spotting. This targeted approach ensured that every coach received practical guidance aligned with their interests and needs.
Empowering Youth Coaches
The workshop also addressed a key challenge of youth coaching: managing authority and knowledge perception. By fostering open discussions and creating a supportive environment, the workshop allowed attendees to share experiences, discuss solutions, and build confidence in handling complex situations involving gymnasts or parents.
The day was an overwhelming success, leaving youth coaches feeling better equipped, more confident, and inspired to continue their growth in the field of gymnastics coaching. The event was a testament to the power of collaboration, hands-on learning, and supportive community spirit. Moreover, the outcomes of this workshop have shown great promise for developing more effective youth coach training opportunities, with the goal to roll out similar programs across the country.
A big shout out to Manawatu Gymsports, Alanah McLeod, and Kylan Taylor who truly made a lasting impact on these young coaches and their future in the sport.