Today I found out that I have become a fully qualified British Cycling level 2 coach. I have held off writing this article until this point as it didn't seem right otherwise. Funny though even though you learn so much in his course I still feel I am only at the very beginning of this journey.

I guess that is because I am. What I can say though is I feel confident in planning and delivering an engaging and safe session to a bunch of kids and that 6 months ago the mere thought would have overwhelmed me.

What is a cycling coach?

A British cycling coach is someone who can plan and deliver safe sessions in a traffic free environment. Generally in parks or at cycle tracks etc. These sessions are delivered for all ages from about 6 years upwards with the aim to pass on core cycle techniques and skills in a a fun, group based manner.

What are the qualities you need?

Patience, respect, organisation, structure, clear communication and listening skills and keeping control. Note you don't need to be an amazingly technically competent cyclist.

Which organisation to go with?

I considered two routes. Learning to be a skills leader with the CTC or a British Cycling level 1 or Level 2 coach. I chose the British Cycling route as I felt it was more attuned to youth club focus in urban settings whereas the CTC was more individual of all ages or teaching groups technical skills on trails. Both organisations courses are highly rated and I intend to progress to CTC in due time as they are technically much more advanced than British Cycling. In terms of guidance and support your regional British Cycling officer will support you with CRB's, hands on guidance and they have established resources that are youth club focussed are really helpful to a trainee coach.

Which level course should I take?

First is level 1. This is aimed at people new to coaching and cycling. It is their entry level qualifiaction. The certificate qualifies you to independently prepare for, deliver and review pre-prepared coaching sessions to groups of adults or children. It is known to develop strong confidence with a good grounding in coaching. The
course covers all of the basics of cycle coaching

Then there is level 2. The knowledge gained from this qualification will allow you to develop an understanding of safe, ethical and effective cycling coaching. The certificate qualifies you to independently plan, deliver and evaluate a
series of cycling activity sessions to groups of beginner and intermediate level children or adults.here you can plan your own sessions and you can coach a more intermediate as well as the basic techniques that a level 1 course allows. If you have more experience as a cyclist and or coaching I'd recommend you can start with Level 2 although British Cycling do say this is also aimed at people with no cycling or coaching experience so I won't contradict them.

Both level 1 and 2 up to this point are cycling discipline agnostic i.e. it is the same skills whether you will go back and coach in a school playground, a BMX club, a MTB club or a Track or Road cycling club.

Then you can take a discipline specific like level 2 MTB or level 2 Track and Road, Level 2 Disability Award or a level 2 BMX or Track only award.

All these levels above form level 1 onwards allow you to coach between 3 to 15 riders

Level 3 allows you to do individual coaching and develop detailed plans for individuals

What are the entry qualifications and experience?

To train to be a coach you need a one day HSE first aid certificate and to have complete your crb check

What does the course session and assessment consist of?

The 2 day course is the right mix of practical and classroom. You will end feeling much more confident as you learn how to structure and plan a session. You will deliver sessions over the weekend and get instant feedback from your peers. One of the best bits is you are with like minded folk but everyone with a different story so lots of learnings to be had.

The course work:
I have to say there is a quite a bit of reading and home assessments and it feels a little bit verbatim from the book. Still though the detail is useful as you cover things like child protection, health and safety, coaching principles, how to do a bike check and warm up, cycling skills, bike knowledge, how the body works and lots more.

The session training:
You need to run 6 sessions as part of your course and prepare another 6 as part of a programme. This is really where you cut your teeth. Lots of fun, petrifying at times and very empowering.

The final assessment:
Then you're back at the assessment centre for more training and session assessment. Here you hand in the course work. Takes a few months for them to mark it. Very common your assessor will call you to clarify a few things but all good.

Finally

You are there. It's the beginning of your coaching career. Go share some skills. Enjoy.