University of Chester selected for inaugural Rugby League coaching programme

Sep 12 2008 By the University of Chester

Rugby League

The University of Chester has been selected by the Rugby Football League as the delivery site for the delivery of the sport’s inaugural Level 3 United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) programme.

The qualification, which will become the minimum requirement for all coaches working in the professional game, is endorsed by the RFL, and is being taught for the first time in the United Kingdom.

As part of the arrangement with the University, staff from Sports and Exercise Sciences provide specialist teaching for the fitness and physiology aspects of the course, and students enjoy full access to teaching, sports and laboratory facilities.

Among the first cohort of students is former Great Britain international and England captain, Steve Molloy. A second cohort is due to begin the programme in November and the University is hopeful of being retained as the site for further delivery.

Dr Craig Twist, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the University. The Level 3 UKCC is currently the highest-level formal qualification available to a Rugby League coach in Great Britain, and the RFL felt that our facilities were ideal for its delivery.

“The first cohort has been extremely complimentary about the University. The aim is to begin a second programme in November working with Assistant Coaches in the Super League, and we’re very hopeful of again acting as host.”

The Level 3 programme is delivered at weekends over an 18-month period. As well as providing teaching staff, members from the Sports and Exercise Sciences department have written the physiology and fitness sections of the set textbook.

The course comprises a mix of coaching, video performance analysis, fitness testing, observed laboratory-based testing, and presentation work. As well as staff from the University, external lecturers and RFL staff are delivering specialist aspects of the course.

The link between the RFL and the University was established through Dr Twist, who is a BASES Accredited Exercise Physiologist, and has worked extensively in rugby league both in the UK and abroad.

Dr Twist currently works as an advisor to Super League club, Warrington Wolves, who work closely with the institution. As well as sponsoring the club, the University’s Warrington campus is the Wolves’ new training base, while Great Britain hooker, Jon Clarke, is studying for a Sport and Exercise Sciences degree on a part-time basis as he prepares for life after his playing career.

The UKCC provides a standard framework for coach education, and a nationwide seal of quality coaching. The creation of a nationally-recognised standard qualification for coaches professionalises the role of the coach and makes it easier for individuals to highlight their ability to potential employers. The qualification also creates opportunities for shared learning and consistency in coach education.

Vinny Webb, Coaching Manager of the RFL, said: “We’re delighted with the feedback we’ve received from the Level 3 programme running from Chester. The facilities have provided us the ideal setting for our pilot course and have given us some excellent detail which we can use to inform our programmes going forward.”