Roundtable Discussion: Pathways, Progression, and Belonging in Coaching
How do coaches build a career, develop their skills, and feel a sense of belonging in the sports they serve? This roundtable discussion will focus on themes from the National Coaching Survey around progression, CPD, and inclusive coaching cultures.
We will consider what helps coaches feel valued, how opportunities (or barriers) appear in career pathways, and what support could make the biggest difference. This is a chance to share experiences, listen to others, and shape ideas for creating better environments for women in coaching.
Focus areas
Development opportunities: access to CPD, funding, and personal development plans
Career pathways: clarity of progression routes, promotion opportunities, barriers faced
Belonging and culture: feeling valued, respected, heard, and culturally safety
Discussion prompt
What forms of CPD have made the biggest difference for you?
How do you experience progression (or lack of it) in your sport?
What would make you feel more valued and supported as a coaches
This roundtable will be led by Tanya Martin, Head of Insight & Innovation at Women in Sport, and Professor Leanne Norman from the Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University. They are leading the first national survey of its kind into the working conditions and culture of coaching across all sports and levels.
About the project
This work forms part of the Women in Coaching Taskforce, a wider project funded by Sport England and led by Women in Sport to transform the experiences of women in coaching. The Taskforce is building a shared understanding to drive lasting change and create better environments that support more women to thrive in coaching.