TRAFFORD College has formed a new partnership with British Cycling in a scheme which will see more than 170 coaches achieve qualifications in coaching cycling.

The relationship will see the organisations working in partnership to provide the opportunity for coaches to undertake United Kingdom Coaching Certificate Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 awards in Coaching Cycling.

More than 5,000 coaches across the UK have already trained through British Cycling qualifications and demand for courses is now at an all time high. Aimed at learners aged over 19 years, the awards provide a flexible pathway of progression for coaches – from coaching beginners, right up to performance-oriented riders.

Brian Cookson, president of British Cycling, said: “Continued success at the highest level is inspiring a boom in participation across the nation. Effective coaching is at the heart of cycling performance at every level of the sport and it’s crucial that coaches are given opportunities to develop, so that they can continue to inspire people of all generations to get into cycling and progress in the sport.

“We are thrilled to announce the partnership with Trafford College, which will not only help to provide more opportunities for coaches, but will also aid the development of our courses and enhance learner support.”

Sir Bill Moorcroft, principal of Trafford College, said: “Trafford College is absolutely delighted to work in partnership with British Cycling to deliver coaching programmes that will benefit athletes in this discipline.

“British Cycling is well renowned for the fantastic work it has already done and together we aim to promote the values of education and sport, and encourage participation into both cycling itself and coaching.”

SkillsActive is the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure, Learning and Well-being. The organisation has supported the formation of the partnership.

Dian Shaw, SkillsActive account manager, said: “This is one of many excellent examples of sports working with FE in a positive and effective way to not only attain funding for skills, but also work on other collaborative partnership work going forward, which not only benefits NGBS but also FE colleges as well.”

World and Paralympic champion, Jody Cundy, has just begun a Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Cycling. He said: “As a rider, I have received an incredible amount of support from coaches over the years, who have been an invaluable source of knowledge and advice, and critical in helping me to reach my potential.

“I am now focused on developing my own coaching ability and these courses provide coaches with the chance to enhance their skills to help inspire and develop the next generation of riders.”

Chorlton coach, Sarah Griffiths, has completed her first phase of Level 2 training and is about to qualify. She said: “I am keen to build on the momentum of women's cycling and am currently coaching beginner and intermediate level women to gain more confidence in bike handling skills and riding in a group. “The level 2 coaching certificate is a comprehensive and thorough course, which strikes an effective balance between coaching theory and practical experience. This has provided me with both the knowledge and confidence to deliver a progressive coaching programme that the participants have really enjoyed - that's a great feeling!”

British Cycling’s Coach Education programme provides a focus for the ongoing development of coaching across the six cycling disciplines, to create a robust and world-leading pathway for coaches to follow.

To find out more about the courses available, visit britishcycling.org.uk/coaching