Recently, 19 LPHS students attended the OSSSA (Otago Secondary Schools Sports Association) coaches workshop.

This workshop was a fantastic opportunity for both current and aspiring young coaches to develop valuable leadership skills and knowledge around team management.

During the workshop, students were split into two streams - novice coaches and experienced coaches. Year 13s Charlotte Fleming and Emily Fotheringham were in the experienced group and had the chance to put their coaching skills to practical use. They designed and led a session of fun Netball drills for a small group of athletes. This was followed by a consultation with said athletes and a coach developer to get Emily and Charlotte constructively reflecting on their coaching and brainstorming solutions to challenges they may encounter in the future.

Levi Milner (year 11) and Ben Barnett (year 10) said they found the link between a coach’s composure and athlete engagement very thought-provoking. In particular, Levi learnt how coaching “went beyond someone's technical and tactical knowledge,” exploring how a coach’s relatability can be just as important when constructing an inclusive team environment. Similarly, Neve Russell (year 12) mentioned that the workshop enhanced her understanding of how she could interact with her athletes, saying “getting to know [her] players not simply as athletes but as people” with unique motivations would be a priority at the start of the season. Furthermore, Neve found the content on athlete-centred coaching particularly relevant to her, as she creates her own coaching philosophy focused on player autonomy and fun.

A huge thank you goes out to OSSSA for hosting this workshop, the LPHS staff who helped make this happen, and the wonderful students who attended and engaged in the activities.