February 21, 2023 3:54 pm

UK Sport’s response to the Whyte Report

It was great to see the UK Sport and Sport England response to the Whyte Report, and their commitment to improving the safeguarding and wellbeing of everyone in sport.

In particular, we are delighted to see in point 2 of their action plan that they intend to ‘better structure the career path of modern coaches, underpinned by a broader curriculum incorporating non-technical skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and listening, which complement NGB processes.’ This speaks to what we here at the Well HQ believe is a huge challenge for the sector – instilling in (especially male coaches, teachers or trainers who are working with girls and women) the confidence, vulnerability and compassion to support all of the individual in front of them, so that they can fulfil their potential.

Technical skills in coaching sport are vital, but an athletes development, wellbeing and longevity is defined by how well her system of support nurtures and cares for her. We need to take the time to provide coaches with the skills to support the whole athlete, which requires redesigning the system, and supporting coaches as the develop new ways to relate and work with their athletes.

What we are doing about it….

Together with our CIMSPA partners, we are making exciting progress on Professional Standard for Working with Women and Girls. It’s likely that this Professional Standard (which includes all the things which are important to be aware of, consider and integrate into your practise when you work with women and girls) will be out in the world by summer this year. That means that all qualifications, CPD and learning products aimed to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in working with women and girls in sport, exercise and physical activity, will have quality assured standards from which to map their content. Most importantly, it means that women and girls can demand more from those who support them in sport and physical activity – ensuring that their coaches, teachers, trainers or practitioners have been trained by the relevant CIMSPA endorsed courses. This is a HUGE step forward for system change, and brilliantly positive for women in sport!

If you would like to read the full report it can be accessed here

TWHQ offer four groundbreaking, evidence-based courses on the female body across her different lifestages.

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