FORMER Olympic Swimming Champion Duncan Goodhew is just one of the many iconic figures lined up to share their knowledge with local sports coaches at the Scottish Borders Coaching Conference on Sunday, March 20, at Borders College (Scottish Borders Campus) in Galashiels.

Coaches are being urged to sign up for the conference after last year's event attracted over 120 coaches from across the Scottish Borders and the rest of Scotland.

This year's conference includes several high profile figures and top coaches who will speak and deliver workshops. They include keynote speakers Duncan Goodhew, who will give an insight into what is required to become an Olympic Champion and Brian Whittle, who is Chairman of Athletics Coaches Scotland.

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, badminton, cricket, cycling, football, golf, hockey, rugby, swimming and tennis.

Guest Coaches include: John Owens, Liverpool FC Youth Academy Manager and Tony Stanger, former Scotland rugby star and now Scottish Institute of Sport Talent Manager.

Duncan Goodhew said: "This is an excellent opportunity for coaches to improve their skills and techniques and I was delighted to be asked to be a key-note speaker. Training hard was always an important part of my life and I am keen to pass on anything that can help coaches out there, who often put their heart and soul into helping individuals and teams achieve their goals." After the keynote speakers, participants will be treated to a workshop of their choice. 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.

Scottish Borders Council's (SBC) Senior Sports Development Officer, Dougie Anderson, is keen for local coaches to sign up for the event: "This conference is part of our ongoing commitment to help develop the skills and knowledge of our local coaches delivering in the Scottish Borders which will in turn, help the development of sport into the future. This is the third 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.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for Borders coaches to learn from such knowledgeable and experienced guest coaches and the fee to attend is only £20 per person. This includes food and refreshments and I am sure local coaches will agree that this is good value, with SBC subsidising the cost considerably to give something back to all levels of coaches in the Scottish Borders who continue to support local delivery." For more information and to get an application form visit: www.sportborders.org.uk. There is also a new facility available to book and pay by credit/debit card by contacting the Sports Development Unit, 01896 756274. Anyone who requires any further information on the event should contact Dougie Anderson, Senior Sports Development Officer, danderson2@scotborders.gov.uk or 01896 759579.