2015 Coaching Conference Makes Big Impact

A host of coaches throughout the country and now better equipped to deal with the challenges they face after taking part in two days of in-depth analysis of coaching at the 2015 National Coaching Conference.

Supported by the North & South Trust, the event was held at the National Squash Centre at Unitec in Auckland over the weekend and brought together coaches from across the coaching spectrum.

There were many highlights of the jam-packed schedule put together by lead presenter Paul Hornsby. The conference covered a number of interesting topics, ranging from technique to structuring sessions and running a coaching business. Hornsby was impressed with the number of coaches who signed up to be a part of the Conference and believes the turn out proves there is a strong appetite for the progression of coach development in New Zealand.

"My philosophy as a coach is to continually learn and these conferences provide an opportunity to achieve that – even as a presenter. It is important for coaches to come along and take what they can out of it so it was great to see so many people here.”

The coaches were also given an insight into pressure situations through an engaging practical session with Lance Beddoes, New Zealand’s number 4 ranked senior man. Receiving the benefit were 21 coaches and students of the game, one of whom was Sally Stantiall from the Central District Association. A long-time follower of squash and the '2014 New Coach of the Year', Sally has coached in clubs and schools for a few years and says the conference was of great value.

“When I saw the schedule, I knew it would be an invaluable event to attend and I wasn’t disappointed. There was plenty there for all coaches to learn. A lot was crammed into the two days and I got something from every workshop.”

In addition to the formal theoretical and practical workshops, Sally says the opportunity to chat casually with other coaches offered further benefits.

“The chance to network and pick the brains of fellow coaches was great. I’m looking forward to next years’ event already.”

Squash NZ Coaching & Development Director Luke Morriss is responsible for supporting the coaches’ network across the country and was pleased with the outcomes of the conference.

“I can’t thank Paul, the other presenters and the attendees enough for making it such a success”, he says.

“The feedback we received has been nothing but positive and is a reflection of how well everyone engaged with and contributed towards the positive learning, sharing and growing environment that was created.”

Squash New Zealand would like to thank the North & South Trust for its’ financial support; Paul Hornsby for developing and leading the conference, Robbie Wyatt for supporting delivery and all the coaches who attended the conference. For more information on the Coaching Conference please contact Luke Morriss or visit the Coach Development page.