British coaching gets a boost up

Jul 05, 2006, From a press release issued by ACU Press Officer

Left - Right; Paul Cowshall, James Lampkin(3 British Championships), Ed Bradley, Andy Huddleston(3 British Championships), Geraint Jones(9 British Championships), Shaun Brown, Mike Edwards(4 British Championships), Paul Rogers, Vic Allan(4 British Championships), Richard Allen, Ady Smith(10 British Championships)

The quality of British Motorcycle Sport Coaching took a major leap forward with the recent launch of the (ACU's) Coach Certification System at Doncaster on 28th June 2006. Dave Luscombe, the Auto Cycle Union's Training Manager launched the System at the Trainer's/Assessor's day at Carcroft Motorcycle Park attended by 11 National Assessors, with many being well known names and faces throughout the motorcycle world. The Auto Cycle Union is committed to ensuring a structured, consistent approach to the development of coaching through all disciplines of motorcycle sport, with the benefit of allowing it to strengthen the links with Sport England.

The day brought together some of the most highly qualified, experienced and respected sporting motorcyclists in the UK. These men, with a total of over 30 British Championships between them, are to become the backbone of the ACU's new training programme for all sporting motorcycle Coaches. This team of National Assessors, including riders such as Geraint Jones, Vic Allen, Ady Smith, James Lampkin and Mike Edwards, will provide all training and assessment for new Coaches. Ensuring that in the future, anyone certified as an ACU Coach will have the training and back up to support their credentials.

Commenting on the day, Dave said, "Today marks the completion of 2 years work and heralds the start of a bright new future for motorcycle sport coaching with Champions the calibre of Edwards, Smith, Lampkin and Jones at our disposal, anyone wishing to become a motorcycle sport coach is assured of some serious support and training to get them started. I am convinced that this new level of support will do much to assist young British riders compete successfully at the highest level."

Mike Edwards added, "I thoroughly support the ACU in setting these structured guidelines for Coaches. Developing this Coaching Scheme for all disciplines of motorcycle sport will improve the chances of formal recognition, increasing the possibility of accessing funding for future development at grass roots level."

For more information on the ACU Coaching Scheme call the ACU on 01788 566400 or e-mail dw@acu.org.uk