Derby Trailblazers Academy Coaching Assistant

The Derby Trailblazers Academy Coaching Assistant programme is designed specifically for 18-year-olds in their third year of further education. This course is designed around the planning, preparation and delivery of the Derby Trailblazers Academy.

The College’s partnership with the Derby Trailblazers enables students to benefit from the expertise of highly qualified and respected basketball coaches to improve their own coaching. The coaching assistant role is varied, so the course will develop skills in communication, promotion and marketing, coaching fundamentals, organisation, resource development, equipment management, fitness principles and designing or leading training sessions. 

You will need to be a competent basketballer with a strong understanding of the range of disciplines in this field.

Training and curriculum delivery will take place at Derby College Group’s Broomfield Hall site.

Candidates need to be aged 18 and about to enter their third year in further education.

Applications are welcomed from individuals who regularly participate in basketball and who show a desire and willingness to develop the sporting performance of others. It is beneficial for candidates to have been part of the Derby Trailblazers Academy or other established teams.

Candidates should have a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*- C) including English Language and Maths, though one resit is available if required.

The coaching assistant will learn about:

• health and safety
• communication skills
• promotion and marketing
• coaching fundamentals
• resource development
• equipment management
• fitness principles
• designing training sessions

This course will be delivered on-site at Broomfield Hall.

There are practical sessions in which you will be expected to take part and others that you are expected to lead.

We encourage learners to bring their own laptop to aid their studies.

Students would be expected to support players towards competition or training which may may take place in the evenings, early mornings or weekends.

You will be expected to maintain an attendance of over 95% throughout the year or your place on the course will be in jeopardy.

You will need to have a uniform that is worn every day in College. The minimum expectation for the uniform is that you conform with our colour code. Plain black tops of any description are mandatory. DCG-branded uniforms are available for purchase if requested.

All learners should have a tablet or laptop to aid them with their studies.

There may be additional costs incurred for selected trips or training camps.

You will be mentored by a coach and will develop a portfolio of activity and evidence or your role as a coaching assistant.

This course does not qualify for UCAS points.

On successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress to the Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching at DCG or to seek employment within the sport and leisure sector.

Links with our local universities may see you selected for their basketball team alongside higher level study. You will also be provided with information about scholarships in the United States while studying with the Academy.

For more information, contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or tweet us @ Derbycolsport or @DerbyBlazersBA