In May 2021, BUCS, Our Parks and UK Coaching came together to launch Coach Parker, a new Level 2 outdoor exercise coaching qualification that will see 1250 Coach Parkers trained for free.
This programme enables those with a passion for their campus and community to deliver physical activity to their peers, without the barriers of prior sporting experience. Coach Parker is set to bring higher education and community exercise together by training new coaches to activate campuses, local community parks and outdoor spaces.
Through a competitive application process, a total of 20 institutions were selected to become delivery centres for the qualification. The following universities were successful:
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- Liverpool John Moores University
- Loughborough University in conjunction with De Montfort University and University of Leicester
- Manchester Metropolitan University in conjunction with University of Manchester
- Robert Gordon University
- Royal Holloway University
- Sheffield Hallam University in conjunction with University of Sheffield
- Ulster University
- University of Birmingham
- University of Brighton
- University of Central Lancashire in conjunction with Edge Hill University and Lancaster University
- University of Glasgow
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Leeds
- University of Northumbria at Newcastle
- University of Nottingham
- University of Roehampton
- University of Southampton
- University of Warwick
- Writtle University College
As with all qualifications, a tutor workforce is required in order to meet the demand for courses and each delivery centre has had the opportunity to nominate eligible individuals to qualify to become a tutor, or assistant tutor, for the Coach Parker qualification.
From October, Coach Parker courses will be delivered to university students, community organisations and individuals, with the aim of increasing the number of outdoor exercise sessions taking place on campus and in the community that engage a diverse range of participants.
Born Barikor, founder of Our Parks said: “This award and partnership marks a new era in coaching and is so important to empower communities, individuals and those from all backgrounds, with the right to coach or volunteer in the outdoor exercise space.”
Maddie Massey, BUCS Workforce Development Manager commented: “It’s fantastic to have 20 institutions confirmed to become delivery centres. The strength and depth of those involved will give us the best chance possible to enable more people to get active. We look forward to working together with the universities and seeing the impact on the wider community as they train 1250 Coach Parkers.”
For more information about the Coach Parker qualification, please contact Maddie Massey (Workforce Development Manager) or visit the webpage here.
