Our National Trainer Programme seeks to continuously build a system of Sport Development Trainers across Aotearoa.

This is an 18-month programme that is nationally led by Sport NZ and locally supported by experienced mentors. The programme enables trainers to learn and grow in their own environment.

The main objectives are to:

• Build the capability, connections and collaboration of trainers to impact self, others and the system
• Create the foundations to maintain successful communities of practice post the programme

Our National Trainer Programme offers a unique professional development opportunity for up to 16 selected trainers.

What do Sport Development Trainers do?

Sport Development Trainers are responsible for the learning and development of self and others within the sports system. Trainers may come from National Sport Organisations, Regional Sport Organisations, Regional Sports Trusts and the education sector.

Trainers facilitate learning and development for sport system enablers (for example coach developers, official developers). This may include facilitating workshops, observation, programme design support, mentoring, providing reviews and feedback.

About the programme

The programme offers 18-months of blended learning and development. It is nationally developed and led with individualised support provided to trainers from a group of experienced mentors.

The programme delivery model is based on the following beliefs:

• That effective trainer development will require a mix of learning channels used to maximise impact based on the needs of each individual trainer
• Success rests to a great extent upon trainer motivation to learn and the ability of systems and structures to foster and support that motivation
• There is a continued need for an agile approach to programme management that enables learning opportunities and timeframes that are adapted to suit this
• That “Hothousing” camps can accelerate trainer innovation and collaboration across codes and organisations
• There is a need to establish a CoP for aspiring New Zealand trainers to have a sense of belonging and support, providing the opportunity for project-based learning.

What is involved

The following is involved over the 18-month programme:

• Three 3-day national residential camps
• Establishment of project-based learning teams to enable real world learning
• Mentoring support to activate a personal development/learning plan
• Links to additional practice field opportunities for trainers to engage in trainer work
• 1 to 1 and peer observation reviews
• Links and opportunities to work with previous trainer cohorts
• Links to international trainers and group-based learning opportunities
• Online learning support

How to apply

Applications for the National Trainer Programme are open now until 5pm on Friday 9 April 2021. There will be up to 16 trainers accepted onto the 18-month programme, starting in May 2021.

Click here to apply.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email them to coaching@sportnz.org.nz.

National Trainer Programme – participant feedback

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