Coach Development Pathways

At SWL Gymnastics, we are committed to supporting our coaches in their professional development through clear pathways tailored to their goals and aspirations. Understanding the different options available and deciding what you want to achieve in your coaching career is essential for growth and success.

Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to lead your own squads, this guide will help you navigate the pathways, qualifications, and opportunities available, ensuring you make the best choice for your future in coaching. By aligning your goals with the right pathway, you can build a rewarding career while making a meaningful impact on the gymnasts you coach.

Qualifications

The main difference between the British Gymnastics and IGA pathways is the cost, time commitment, and career opportunities they offer. The British Gymnastics pathway is more widely recognized across clubs in the UK, making it a better option for those looking to coach at other clubs in the future. However, it is more expensive and requires a longer time commitment, which is why SWL provides financial support based on how long you stay with the club.

As an IGA-affiliated club, we primarily follow the IGA pathway, which is a more cost-effective option and well-suited for those focusing on coaching within SWL or other IGA-affiliated clubs. SWL covers the full cost of IGA qualifications with a two-year commitment or half the cost with a one-year commitment. For the British Gymnastics pathway, SWL covers the full cost with a three-year commitment and half the cost with a two-year commitment. Both pathways lead to Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, with British Gymnastics offering broader recognition across UK clubs, while IGA provides a faster, more affordable route tailored to our club’s specific needs.

Please note that it is your responsibility to find these courses and qualifications and then contact us to organise payment and arrange cover for your sessions at the club while you attend the courses.

At SWL Gymnastics, we are proud to offer a comprehensive coaching pathway program designed to help you grow and achieve your career goals. Whether you’re starting as an assistant coach or aiming to take on leadership roles within the club, this pathway provides clear steps for your development. Initially, coaches begin by assisting in beginner and intermediate groups, gaining hands-on experience and learning foundational coaching techniques under the guidance of experienced mentors. From there, you can progress to taking groups independently, leading sessions for up to eight gymnasts across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Once you achieve your Level 1 qualification, you are officially qualified to coach and can take on more responsibilities, such as leading floor and vault squads, or development squad groups. As you gain experience, we can work toward giving you your own squad, allowing you to conduct squad trials and take ownership of specific groups. You’ll also have the opportunity to shadow and assist experienced coaches, such as Marx and Dan, during their competition squad sessions on Wednesdays, providing valuable insight into high-level coaching and squad management.

Upon reaching Level 2, you become a qualified head coach within SWL Gymnastics, opening doors to even greater opportunities. Head coaches may lead entire days of classes, take on additional responsibilities within the club, and earn higher pay based on these added responsibilities rather than further qualifications. This level of leadership not only enhances your coaching career but also positions you to make a meaningful impact on the gymnasts and the club as a whole.

Deciding your goals and understanding where you want to take your coaching journey is crucial. Whether you aim to grow within SWL, lead squads, or explore opportunities beyond the club, this pathway is designed to support you every step of the way, ensuring your personal development aligns with your aspirations.