GIVING BACK TO THE SPORT I LOVE.

Recently I have come into the opportunity to work as temporary Regional Talent Academy Coach for British Canoeing.

In March 2015 I decided to suspend my studies at Nottingham Trent University. I was having a difficult time and it was taking its toll on me mentally and physically, therefore jeopardising my sport.

A month went by and I got into coaching paddlers on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. This is also how I was volunteered to go to Krakow as Team Mum/extra support. On a Tuesday I’d help coach young Academy Band paddlers (boys and girls) and on a Wednesday I’d help coach the K1W Talent ID squad. On a Thursday I do local club coaching where I have paddlers with ages ranging from 12-50. It’s great to see everyone on the water of all abilities. I’d volunteered to do all these sessions and was keen to help the other coaches, and now that this coaching opportunity has arisen I’m going to work hard to learn about the roles and responsibilities involved – taking as much advantage of it as I can.

I’m really enjoying coaching at the moment and I’m looking into doing my qualifications throughout the next year. I’m currently applying to do my level 2 coaching. I hope to pursue this in the future and help the up and coming talent in the sport of canoe slalom.

Do what you love, love what you do…