On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th March Ballymena and Antrim and Mid Ulster Athletics Clubs hosted two very successful Assistant Coach Courses.

St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena, was the venue on Saturday for a large group of enthusiastic ex athletes/parents and coaches from the local club to embrace in a day long practical coaching experience. Local organizer Maeve Kyle, complimented all the local coaches on their commitment and thanked Athletics Ireland RDO, Eamon Harvey, on the practical and beneficial nature of the course delivery. She also praised the practical application of the course content which included
• group coaching skills and identifying ways to make coaching sessions fun
• Fun and functional warm ups and cool downs
• Safety in Athletics
• Rules of key events
• Communicating with young athletes and giving effective feedback.
• Basic running skills
• Basic Long Jump Skills
• Basic Shot Putt skills

The magnificent Meadowbank Centre in Magherafelt was the venue on Sunday for a second Assistant Coach course hosted by the local Mid Ulster Club. The large participating group included current athletes/teachers/club officials and coaches. Local organizer Barrie Holmes at the conclusion complimented and thanked all participants and Eamon Harvey for delivering the course. He indicated that the practical, hands on coaching nature of the course would be of great benifit to coaches/teachers when they returned to their clubs/schools