Seventeen local coaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands have achieved 'National Coaching Certification' following their successful completion of a three-day Track and Field Coaches' Course.
This program, funded by the Turks and Caicos Sports Commission, was designed to equip these coaches with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze and implement training programs aimed at enhancing the performance of athletes in various track and field disciplines.
The course was organized and conducted by the Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletics Association (TCAAA) and was led by David Riley, the National Technical Director for the Jamaica Under 20 Track and Field Programme.
Riley, an accomplished level five world athletics coach specializing in sprints, hurdles, and relays, is also actively involved in coaching at Excelsior High School and Community College. Additionally, he owns and operates "The Techniques Lab," a facility that offers analytical assessments for athletes, identifying muscle weakness, technical deficiencies, and imbalances.
The primary objective of the course was to educate coaches from all across the Turks and Caicos Islands on various aspects of coaching. Key topics covered during the training included:
· Identifying Athlete Competence: Coaches were taught how to evaluate an athlete's abilities and determine the most suitable track and field event for each individual.
· Periodization: The course emphasized planning training cycles based on the time of year, ensuring that athletes' training regimens are well-structured and aligned with their competitive seasons.
· Constructing Training Programs: Coaches learned how to design effective and tailored training programs that cater to the specific needs and goals of their athletes.
· Facilitating Athlete Peaking: The course explored techniques to help athletes reach their peak performance levels during competitions and important events.
· Transitioning Junior to Senior Athletes: Coaches were educated on the strategies and considerations involved in transitioning junior athletes to the senior level.
The certification of the local coaches was based on their active participation in both theory and practical sessions. The practical component included working with volunteer student athletes from Clement Howell High School, providing coaches with valuable hands-on experience.
David Riley encouraged the certified coaches to apply their newly acquired knowledge to improve both themselves and the athletes they work with, ultimately elevating the standard of track and field in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Importantly, the entire budget for this course was covered by a grant from the TCI Sport Commission, highlighting the commitment to enhancing sports coaching and performance within the region.
The successful completion of the National Coaches Certification is expected to have a positive impact on the development of track and field in the Turks and Caicos Islands, nurturing local talent and potentially producing top-level athletes in the future.
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