250,000 ways to develop London's coaches
SkillsActive has secured £250,000 from the regional Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in London and Sport England (London) to subsidise coaching qualifications for a minimum of 400 of London's sports coaches.
The injection of money will help subsidise coaching qualifications for London's part and full time coaches and promote coaching excellence in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. 
SkillsActive will manage the initiative which is aimed at existing coaches who would like to gain Level 2 and 3 qualifications, and aspiring coaches starting out at level 1. All qualifications will be endorsed by the new UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) and accredited by the QCA and national qualifications framework.
The bursary is being offered on a needs-led basis to coaches already coaching or a volunteer, part or full-time basis. SkillsActive is working in partnership with the five ProActive partnerships in London, along with the national governing bodies of sport to identify coaches who are in most need of their first level 1 qualification or those looking to obtain their level 2 or 3.
What's on offer?
- Financial support in gaining recognised coaching qualifications (up to 66% fees reimbursed)
- Access to a structured suite of national governing body coaching qualifications endorsed by the UKCC (the new UK Coaching Certificate) helping you to progress from a level 1 to level 3
- Formal recognition of your knowledge and experience, even in the voluntary sector
- Access to new skills training, the latest techniques and best practice
What's in it for you?
- This is your chance to prove to others that you have the skills and experience for effective coaching:
- Financial help in converting your experience into recognised qualifications
- The opportunity to become a recognised professional within the coaching industry
- A chance to step up to greater challenges and more responsibility, whether voluntary, part or full-time
- With recognised qualifications, you'll appeal to a much wider range of potential employers, opening up exciting new career possibilities.
- To qualify for the bursary, you must:
- Be currently engaged in a sports club environment across London, either as a volunteer or a paid member of staff
- Achieve your first, or next level (Levels 1,2 and 3) recognised NGB coaching qualification which is endorsed by the UKCC.
- Cover 33% of the course fee yourself
- Demonstrate delivery of 20 or more hours of quality coaching to people over 16 years old
You'll find further details and an application form at www.skillsactive.com/coachingbursary or call Skills Active on 020 7632 2000.