Rooney's football coach to kick-off conference in Borders

Published 24 Feb 2010 15:49 0 Comments

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ONE of the top motivational speakers in the world, Watt Nicoll, is just one of the many iconic figures lined up to share their knowledge with local sports coaches at the Scottish Borders Coaching Conference at Heriot Watt University in Galashiels on Sunday, March 14.

Coaches in the Borders are being urged to sign up for the conference after last year's inaugural event attracted over 150 coaches from across the Scottish Borders and the rest of Scotland.

This year's conference does not fail to impress with several high profile figures and top coaches secured to speak and deliver workshops including keynote speakers Watt Nicoll who has worked with the likes of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney and Tosh Farrell, one of the best youth coaches in the country from Everton FC.

The two speakers will deliver presentations in the morning then delegates will be provided with lunch before breaking out into sports specific workshops delivered by guest coaches in athletics, cricket, cycling, football, hockey, swimming and tennis.

Guest Coaches include the East Institute of Sport's High Performance Hockey Coach, David Stott; Head coach of scottishathletics Laurier Primeau; Head Swimming Coach at City of Sheffield Russ Barber and Lawn Tennis Association Tutor Mike Barrell.

Scottish Borders Council's (SBC) Coaching Network Development Officer Andy Lawrie is keen for local coaches to sign up for the event: "This conference as part of our ongoing commitment to help develop the skills and knowledge of coaches in the Borders which will in turn, help the development of sport into the future. This is the second time we have hosted a conference which covers a wide range of sports and we are absolutely delighted to have such a fantastic line up of guests and speakers once again. We have recently launched a new scholarship programme where coaches can apply for assistance to help support their development. The conference is a recognised part of the coaches' development programme as part of their scholarship.

"It's an opportunity of a lifetime and the fee to attend is only £20 per person. This includes food and refreshments and all attendees will also receive a special conference gift. I am sure local coaches will agree that this is fantastic value for money, with SBC subsidising the cost considerably to give something back to all levels of coaches in the Scottish Borders."

SBC's Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Community Education, Councillor Graham Garvie added: "I am looking forward to attending this conference once again this year. The calibre of the guests lined up is among the best in Scotland so this is a fantastic opportunity for local coaches to learn from the best. Not only will coaches gain some theoretical knowledge from these top class coaches but they will also gain a useful insight into their experiences and have the opportunity to see their coaching in action. I would urge all coaches, no matter what their level or ability to sign up."

After the keynote speakers, participants will be treated to a workshop of their choice:

* Football - 'How to build a football session' - Tosh Farrell

* Tennis - 'Developing physical literacy for children under 10' - Mike Barrell

* Hockey - 'Prominent skills visible on the world stage' - David Stott

* Athletics - 'The Principles of speed' - Laurier Primeau

* Cycling - 'Developing a fun, progressive series of coaching session appropriate to the skill and fitness level of your riders?' - Three Scottish Cycling coaches

* Cricket - 'Batting, Bowling and Wicket Keeping' - Three Cricket Scotland coaches

* Swimming - 'Breaststroke' - Russ Barber.

Following the workshops, the conference will conclude with a question and answer session. This will give delegates the opportunity to gain knowledge from the guests who have been speaking and hosting workshops throughout the day.

Application forms and more information is available from www.sportborders.org.uk or by contacting SBC's Coaching Network Development Officer Andy Lawrie andy.lawrie@scotborders.gov.uk tel 07899726967.

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