Campaigners seek 100 women coaches
Campaigners seeking to recruit 100 female sport and physical activity coaches across the West Midlands are holding a fact finding evening in Shropshire.
University Centre Shrewsbury hosts a new 'Women Make Coaching' session from 5.30-8pm on Friday April 15.
The event is organised by county sports partnership Energize Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, as part of a campaign to address the imbalance of female coaches.
Elliot Pottinger, coaching and volunteering manager at Energize, said: "The evening will explain what is on offer from Energize to support female coaches, including access to free training.
He said: "There are bursaries of up to 75 per cent available for females wishing to become a qualified coach, plus mentoring support services.
"We can also offer networking opportunities with like-minded coaches and volunteers, and support females to link up with clubs and community organisations.
"We want to create a culture of support for female coaches across Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin."
Telford-born judo star Kelly Edwards, a Commonwealth medallist and motivational sports coach, will give a keynote speech and there will also be an introduction to the Women Make Coaching programme from Energize.
Pottinger added: "The aim of the event is simple: To increase the amount of female coaches operating in Shropshire, and to also offer help to those that are already involved.
"The April 15 session is open to people who are currently coaching, and those looking to get in to coaching – and they are welcome to bring a friend. The event is free to attend, but all we ask is that they register in advance."
Women Make Coaching is working with county sports partnerships across the West Midlands to raise the profile of females in sport.
The aim is to recruit, develop and deploy 100 female coaches across the West Midlands region over the course of a year, and establish a stronger culture of support for females in coaching.
Energize, based at University Centre Shrewsbury in Frankwell Quay, promotes sport and active lifestyles.
For details of the fact finding evening, contact Elliot Pottinger on 07852 871589, email elliot.pottinger@energizestw.org.uk or see www.energizestw.org.uk
