BSUK runs successful Level 1 Course in Hackney
Wed 2 Nov 2011
Nine aspiring baseball and softball coaches spent two Sundays in October taking a Level 1 Coaching Course run by BSUK's London Regional Coach & Club Development Officer Liam Carroll at the Bridge Academy in Hackney.
Over the two Sundays, the coaches engaged with the four modules and the assessment that make up BSUK’s Assistant Coach qualification.
The course was arranged in conjunction with Hackney Music Development Trust who, with BSUK’s assistance, deliver Shadowball, a programme that teaches primary school children about the civil rights movement, its parallels with sport and music, and introduces them to baseball.
Mixed volunteers
Participating in the course was a mix of volunteers and teachers involved with Shadowball and members of baseball and softball clubs across London. These newly-qualified coaches will impact future youth baseball activity in Hackney and contribute to the development of players and teams in the Greater London Softball Mixed League, the London Mets Baseball Club and Richmond Baseball and Softball Club.
As with all Level 1 courses, the participants engaged in classroom and practical activities to learn and share knowledge about good practice in working with children and young people, roles and responsibilities of coaches and game officials, teaching the fundamental skills of baseball and softball and rules and game progression.
Enthusiasm
Liam Carroll noted: "The coaches brought an enthusiasm and professionalism that promoted learning for all involved. It was exciting to see them share their existing knowledge and their opinions on the coaching process over the two days. It’s encouraging to know there’s so much passion in the baseball and softball community and I hope that the course will enable these coaches to be even more impactful in the future.”
BSUK will build on the relationship established with Bridge Academy in Hackney with additional courses planned for delivery there in 2012. Featuring new, modern facilities and excellent transport links, the venue is a convenient hub for coaches from across the region.
Special thanks must go to Hackney Music Development Trust for their hard work in making the course possible.
