2023 Youth Coach Development Programme – Pilot Initiative 




Cycling Ireland are piloting a Youth Coach Development Programme in Ulster this year. 


The pilot programme aims to accelerate the learning of coaches working in youth sections of clubs or within community settings.   


The Programme uses a blended learning module (practical face to face, an online workshop, e-learning self-study and potentially online mentoring). It will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to meet the holistic developmental needs and experiences of young people.   


This is a CPD opportunity and coaches will receive a certificate of attendance.  


The programme is split into four modules that will be completed over four months: 


Module 1 - Creating Great Children’s Sport Environments: Delivered through a practical face to face and e-learning self-study.  

Module 2 - Child-Centred Coaching: Delivered through a practical face to face and e-learning self-study.  

Module 3 - Positive Engagement with Parents: Delivered through an online session using Zoom. 

Module 4 – Children's Coaching Concepts: Delivered through a practical face to face and e-learning self-study. 


The programme will be split into two cohorts, with cohort 1 beginning on May 15th and cohort 2 beginning on May 30th.  


Cohort 1  


Led by: Cycling Ireland Coach Developer Gary McKeegan  

Location: Valley Hub/Newtownabbey from 7-9pm  

Module 1 – Monday 15th May  

Module 2 – Monday 5th June  

Module 3 – Monday 17th July (online)  

Module 4 – Monday 21st August 


Cohort 2 


Led by: Cycling Ireland Coach Developer Ian Bailey  

Location: Gosford Hub/Armagh from 7-9pm  

Module 1 – Monday 30th May  

Module 2 – Monday 19th June   

Module 3 – Monday 17th July (online)  

Module 4 – Monday 21st August 


Cycling Ireland Coach Education Manager, Tom Causer, said:  

“We are pleased to launch this pilot programme in Ulster as we grow our continuous professional development opportunities for coaches.  Research shows that informal learning methods such as on the job experience, learning by doing, self-learning, observation and mentoring are very effective for coach development. The Youth Coach Development Programme combines all these methods with two very experienced Cycling Ireland coach developers.” 


The total cost of the 2023 Youth Coach Development Programme is €100 plus online transaction charge. 


Interested coaches should email tom.causer@cyclingireland.ie for an information pack. 


Coaches will be selected based on the following criteria:  

  • Regularly coaching participants in affiliated junior clubs or community settings  
  • Willing to learn and regularly reflect on own coaching practice  
  • Prepared to commit to the programme (practical sessions, e-learning and possible 1to1 mentoring)  
  • A Foundation in Cycling Coaching qualified coach or above  
  • A Cycling Ireland member 


The closing date for applications is April 10th, 2023. Successful and unsuccessful coaches will be informed by Cycling Ireland by April 11th.  


Registration and payment close on TahDah for selected coaches to secure places on the 24th of April.