Since late 2019, Singapore Gymnastics has been working closely with Gene Schembri (Australian Sports Commission and author of various coach education resources) on the 5 discipline-specific Intermediate Coaching Courses to be developed and implemented in 2020.

While our current education framework has reduced the barriers of entry to becoming a gymnastics coach, it is important that we continuously upskill and upgrade our budding coaches to increase their coaching capabilities as well as to develop a holistic culture of athlete-centred coaching. Besides developing the great content for the Intermediate Coaching Courses, it is just as crucial to be developing great Learning Facilitators who can deliver these courses as well as assess candidates. Separately, Singapore Gymnastics is also building a robust mentorship programme where novice coaches can continue their experiential learning under the guidance of seasoned industry coaches, giving young coaches a network of expertise that they can tap into. 

With the running the first Learning Facilitator Course in May 2020, it has been a huge learning curve in terms of integrating technology into the physical nature of coaching, managing online interactions and engagement. It has also been a great experience with lots of feedback, reflection and points noted to further improve our structure and delivery. 

There is still lots to do in developing local coaching education resources, it will be incremental and it is slowly but surely taking shape.