Get into coaching

Shot put coach with athlete

Do you want to help your Athletics or Running club provide a great experience for their members?

Clubs up and down the country are always looking for more volunteer coaches to help deliver safe and enjoyable training sessions for athletes and runners of all ages and abilities. Whether you want to help put a smile on someone’s face or want to coach a future Olympian you’re in the right place to find out more about how to get into coaching.

Which is the right option for me?

Coaching Assistant

Ideal for becoming involved in coaching track and field athletics, including endurance events on the track.*

The Coaching Assistant qualification provides you with an introduction to coaching athletics via a range of run, jump and throwing skills and activities. When you have completed the course and received your Coaching Assistant licence you will be assisting in the delivery of athletics coaching sessions under the supervision of a qualified Coach. For participants under 18 years of age, this will mean ‘direct’ supervision, whereas for 18 years + this will be ‘indirect’ supervision.

Leadership in Running Fitness

Ideal for leading groups of recreational or beginner runners, including as part of an affiliated running or athletics club, or as part of a RunTogether Group.*

The Leadership in Running Fitness course is designed to prepare you to provide a safe and enjoyable running experience for young people over 12 years of age and adults of any ability, size or shape. This qualification will provide you with insurance to lead a group within the limits of the course content.

Athlete to Coach

As an athlete who has competed for their Home Nation or Great Britain & Northern Ireland at Senior Level we would love you to help us inspire the next generation of athletes to fulfil their potential. We have developed a tailored and intensive training programme that allows you to gain an Athletics Coach qualification and build on the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout your athletics careers.

Are there other options?

Recognition of Prior Learning:

For anyone with a wealth of coaching experience and knowledge in athletics or other sports this could be the option for you. This allows you to become a licensed HCAF coach and enter the coaching pathway directly at a level that is appropriate for your knowledge and experience.

Leading Athletics

This workshop is ideal for anyone wishing to lead athletic activities in support of a Coaching Assistant or Athletics Coach in an athletics or running club.

While not a formal qualification, the Leading Athletics workshop is aimed at individuals who are interested in an introduction to the skills needed in leading athletics activities for young athletes.

*Remember – to have a valid licence you will also need a DBS check. We’ve got an online process in place to make that as simple as possible. Find out more about DBS checks.

Coaching qualifications

View a full list of our coaching qualifications.