First cohort complete UKCC Level 4
The first cohort of rugby coaches have completed the UKCC Level 4 coaching certificate, which aims to increase the standard of Scotland’s performance coaches.
The University joined forces with Scottish Rugby and sportscotland to deliver the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) Level 4, introduced for the first time in Scotland in 2015.
The two-year qualification is designed to develop visionary, outstanding and knowledgeable decision makers, who can advance their own, and others, learning and impact on performance.
This year’s graduates include six coaches from professional, BT Premiership and national age grade sides, as Scottish Rugby continues to develop its best home-grown coaches.
Kenny Murray (Glasgow Warriors), Phil Smith (Heriot’s and Scotland Club XV), Ben Fisher (BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy and Scotland U20), Stevie Scott (former Edinburgh Rugby), Stevie Lawrie (Heriot’s and Scotland Club XV) and Andrew Hall (Hong Kong) have all completed the certificate, which is equivalent to further education.
John Dalziel, who recently coached Scotland U20 to their highest ever tournament finish (5th) in the World Rugby U20 Championship with a dramatic victory over Australia U20, is expected to complete the qualification over the next few months.
BT Coach of the Season, Calum Forrester from Ayr, is also in line to graduate in the coming months, while a host of other coaches embark on their second year of the qualification during the 2016/17 season.
Scottish Rugby’s Training and Education Manager, Neil Graham, said: “We are delighted to have six coaches completing their UKCC Level 4 as they look to accelerate their development and progress towards their coaching goals.
“Our commitment towards nurturing Scottish coaches is demonstrated in this qualification, and together with Edinburgh Napier University and sportscotland, we have enhanced the development opportunities for Scotland’s up and coming coaches.
“More coaches will complete the qualification over the coming seasons and we look forward to working with them to develop their performance, coaching behaviours and skills."
Pictures, courtesy of SNS Pix/Scottish Rugby, show - left to right: Andrew Hall (Hong Kong Head Coach), Phil Smith (Heriot's & Scotland Club XV Head Coach), Kenny Murray (Glasgow Warriors Assistant Coach); and sports science lecturer Dr Tony Westbury.