Sport in the district was given a massive boost last week with the annual Herts Coach Education Week 2015.

Herts Advertiser: Young participants at the First Steps into Judo course, held at the Hertfordshire Sports VillageYoung participants at the First Steps into Judo course, held at the Hertfordshire Sports Village (Image: Archant)

Thousands of participants of all ages, who take part from more than 20 sports, will benefit from the learning and associated qualifications that took place.

Organised by the Herts Sports Partnership, Coach Education Week 2015 proved to be a resounding success. Some of the new sessions and highlights of the week included rugby league level one, cardio tennis instructors, first steps into coaching judo and the Saracens elite coach lecture.

Coaches from bowls clubs across Hertfordshire attended the Play Bowls Activators’ course, designed to teach coaches and leaders to introduce new players to the sport. Held at the Hatfield Indoor Bowls centre, this was just one of the 18 Hertfordshire venues used. Courses at local facilities included Young Sports Leaders at Nicholas Breakspear School and level one coaching netball at Oaklands College, which both proved very popular.

Working closely with the national governing bodies of sport and other local partners, Herts Sports Partnership once again produced a varied and stimulating programme with something on offer for everyone on the coaching pathway.

Coach Education Week 2015 took place during half-term week and was the result of a lot of hard work by everyone involved. The commitment of coaches, leaders and other volunteers helps community clubs to inspire a lifelong interest and participation in sport.

Rob Hardwick, coaching development manager, who heads up the Herts Sports Partnership Coach Development Programme, is once again delighted with the success of the week.

“The programme was more focussed than ever on meeting the local needs of our sports partners and the associated club, coach and volunteer workforce,” he said. “We are delighted to have hosted the largest event of its kind in Europe, right here in Hertfordshire.”

Visit www.sportinherts.org.uk for more information about support for sports leaders and coaches in Hertfordshire, or contact Rob Hardwick on 01707 281204 or r.d.hardwick@herts.ac.uk