Athletics NI in conjunction with British Athletics provide a range of off the shelf workshops that help to provide coaches and leaders with a fundamental understanding of key topics. Details of each of the webinars/workshops so far which can be found below:
Developing a World Champion - Geoff Wightman
Athletics NI are delighted to have Geoff Wightman who is a world class coach and world class commentator deliver a webinar for Athletics NI.
Geoff is best known as the father and coach of former World 1500m Champion Jake Wightman. He is going to talk about how he developed Jake from a schoolboy athlete into a World Champion over 1500m in Oregon in 2022. He also had the most difficult job of commentating in the stadium during Jake’s race.
He will give insight into his coaching philosophy and the pitfalls and benefits of being a father and a coach.
Date - Wednesday 9th of April
Time - 8pm
Cost - £5.00
Development of rotational shot by David Sweeney
Following the success of our previous workshop with renowned coach David Sweeney, we are thrilled to welcome him back for another in-depth session on developing the rotational shot. David, a highly respected expert in shot put technique with years of experience coaching elite athletes, will guide participants through a comprehensive mix of theory and hands-on practice. This is a fantastic opportunity for coaches to learn from one of the best in the field and refine their understanding of this powerful technique.
Sign up here - Home | Development of rotational shot by David Sweeney
HONORE HOEDT WORKSHOP
Athletics NI are delighted to announce that world renowned coach Honore Hoedt is coming to Belfast on Saturday 22nd of March 2025 to host a workshop for coaches and athletes. Places are limited to 50 people.
Honore is probably best known for coaching Sifan Hassan in her early career guiding her to European and World medals. He has also coached many other athletes to European titles and national records. He is one of Europe’s leading authorities on middle distance running with a keen interest in talent identification and athlete development.
The workshop will run from 9.30 am until 5.00pm in the Les Jones room Mary Peters Track with a lunch provided.
Sign up here - Home | HONORE HOEDT WORKSHOP
Athletics NI is seeking to identify athletics coaches / team managers who are interested in travelling with and supporting Northern Ireland teams at international events. Opportunities exist for suitably qualified and experienced individuals to support teams at road, cross country and track and field events, including the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games. Individuals who are interested should take note of the following events which will take place early in 2025.
Saturday 4th January 2025 10am – 5pm - Commonwealth Games NI Workshop, Belfast - (There may be limited places available at this event which is a requirement for those who wish to be considered for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games)
Friday 7th February 1pm – UKA Roadshow Event. As part of the UKA Roadshow, Paula Dunn who has been Head Coach of Team GB for both Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be delivering a session on Team Coaching at Major Championships for coaches and prospective team managers.
In order to be included in an ongoing team coach / manager development programme, and to be considered for the CGNI Workshop on 4th January 2025, please submit an expression of interest by Wednesday 28th December at the following link;
Further information is available by emailing Tom Reynolds ANI Performance Pathway Manager tom.reynolds@athleticsni.org
Registered for your first Moy Park Belfast City Marathon or thinking of running in May 2025?
Athletics NI are working with the team at Belfast City Marathon and Better Gyms to host an informative workshop to help prepare you for your first marathon. Veteran marathon runner Stuart Kennedy, and long-time supporter of Belfast City Marathon will lead the session, to motivate and encourage you to participate, train and line up at the starting line at Stormont Estate on Sunday 4th May 2025.
Ambassadors will be selected from those that attend the workshop to become members of the 2025 Official Ambassador Group – limited spaces available.
All attendees will receive a goody bag and discounted entry for the 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon.
So, sign up for free and join us on Sunday 19th January, Templemore Baths 2pm.
Sports Performance Parenting Series: Positively Supporting the Competition
Hosted by Gordon MacLelland. Gordon MacLelland is the CEO and founder of Working With Parents in Sport (WWPIS). He has a background incoaching and education and is now a leading figure in the ‘parental engagement’ space. He is the author of 4 books and a sports parent himself and is very aware of the challenges that sport parents face today. WWPIS work with over 15 National Governing Bodies, Olympic Programmes, Football Academies, and a whole host of performance pathway programmes all over the world.
So sign up for just £5 and join us for this online webinar on Tuesday 21st January at 7:30pm .
Webinar on improving your marathon time with internationally renowned coach Andy Hobdell.
Andy is a vastly experienced coach and currently coaches two of our local marathon runners who competed at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Paul Pollock and Kevin Seaward. He has recently been appointed the lead coach for the Hoka EU professional endurance team and has already guided these athletes to major successes on the road and the track most notably Efrim Gidey’s Irish Half marathon record in Copenhagen in September 2024.
So sign up for free and join us for this online webinar on Tuesday 4th February at 8pm.
UKA has revised its policy on First Aid provision for Coaches and Leaders so that it is aligned with the HSE requirements under Civil Law and Duty of Care. We are aware that a number of Coaches have already undertaken first aid training as good practice which is great but given recent incidents there will now be a requirement for all UKA Licensed Coaches and Leaders to have a suitable level First Aid Training certificate, renewable every three years in line with the re-licensing process. Details on what sort of First Aid Training Coaches & Leaders will need is available on the below flowchart:
