Introduction
Coaching is at the heart of Loughborough Sport. Through the Coach & Volunteer Academy (CVA), we support coaches at every stage of their journey, from the first steps to advanced development.
The CVA offers opportunities across performance, recreational and community sport, while providing access to recognised qualifications and training. Our mission is simple: to recruit, develop and empower a high-quality coaching workforce.
Our Coaching landscape
We offer a variety of pathways designed to help students gain valuable coaching experience in different environments.
Performance & Development
This pathway supports volunteers coaching within Athletic Union clubs and Performance Programmes.
Student coaches can:
- Work across the coaching pathway, from supporting development squads to leading 1st teams in BUCS competitions and national leagues.
- Gain hands-on experience at the highest levels of student sport, developing skills for future elite coaching roles.
Recreation & Participation
A fantastic opportunity for new and developing coaches to build skills and confidence in a friendly, social environment. Opportunities include:
- Coaching sessions in Hall Sport (IMS) programmes.
- Leading within Recreational sport sessions, encouraging participation and enjoyment for all abilities.
Schools & Community
Take your coaching beyond campus and make an impact in the local community. This pathway offers:
- Experience coaching in schools or community sports clubs, helping young people to get active and develop their skills.
- Valuable preparation for careers working with children or young people, particularly for those considering PE teaching or youth coaching pathways.
Support and Development
- Coach Education - Gain qualifications & accreditations
Access a wide range of coaching courses to enhance your skills and strengthen your CV. - Coach Development - CPD Opportunities
Participate in specialist workshops and masterclasses, including our Coach Progression Programme, a full support package for student coaches. - Bursary Scheme - Apply for funding
We provide financial support to help volunteers access courses and qualifications. Learn more and apply via the Bursary Scheme page. - Drop-in Clinics - Staff support
Need tailored advice? Join our drop-in clinics to chat with CVA staff about your coaching or officiating journey.
Why get involved?
- Discounted access to internationally recognised coaching qualifications to boost your skills and CV.
- Specialist training and mentoring from experienced Loughborough Sport staff, including our Head of Coaching.
- Exclusive masterclasses and CPD sessions with leading industry experts.
- Networking opportunities with top professionals and organisations in sport.
- Hands-on volunteering experiences to build transferable employability skills.
- Reduced-cost training for essential qualifications, such as Safeguarding & Protecting Children and Emergency First Aid at Work.
How to get involved
To get involved in the Coach & Volunteer Academy you need to create an account on our volunteer management programme, the CVA Portal. This applies to both student volunteers and community volunteers as this is the online tool we use to advertise our opportunities, and volunteers will use to apply for any opportunities they’re interested in.
If you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected].