Six Hartpury University MSc Professional Development in Sports Coaching students, enrolled on the course as part of UK Sport's Coach Leader Programme, are representing Team GB in coaching roles across a number of disciplines. Just a few days into the Games, two of the six coaches have already enjoyed coaching successes in both rowing and swimming.
Paul Stannard (pictured alongside Team GB rowing athletes), Head Coach for the men's scull, saw his men's quad scull earn a silver medal on the Sea Forest Waterway, finishing behind a dominant Dutch team. Paul has over 19 years' experience working in high performance sport at World and Olympic level.
In the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, fellow MSc student and swimming coach Steven Tigg enjoyed coaching success in the pool as his protege Duncan Scott won a silver medal in the men's 200m freestyle. Scott also went on to play a pivotal role in the men's historic 4x200m freestyle relay gold medal.
The MSc Professional Development in Sports Coaching course’s flexible delivery and one-to-one tutor support enables experienced coaching practitioners from a range of high-performance, educational and voluntary environments to continue to develop their coaching practice whilst further building their professional network.
Students on this course develop greater evidence-based appreciation for their personal coaching craft whilst collaborating with practitioners from a range of sports.
"We're thrilled for Paul and Steven, both extremely experienced coaches who have contributed a great deal to our Professional Development community," says Programme Manager Dean Clark.
"The six coaches involved with Team GB have demonstrated huge commitment to their respective disciplines and we're delighted to have them as part of our postgraduate programme.
"The MSc Professional Development in Sports Coaching is a course designed for those coaches looking to continue to develop their awareness by sharing insights and experiences with coaches from other disciplines. Coach development is a lifelong journey, and this course helps to provide structure for that ongoing learning pathway," he added.
The four remaining coaches in Tokyo are in action later in the week in sports including rowing and canoeing.
Header Image: @PaulStannardRow/Twitter
