13 dedicated participants navigated the intensive BWF/BEC Coach Education Level 3 Course that took place last week in Holbæk, Denmark, defying the autumnal gloom with a spark that illuminated the experience.
Adopting an innovative approach, the BWF tutors orchestrated a transformative journey, compelling each participant to step beyond their comfort zones. The course kicked off with Martin Andrew, Technical Director at the Singapore Badminton Association and BWF Tutor, emphasising the critical need for a structured talent development framework.
“We need to make sure that we have a structure within the pathway so that players are not coming through by chance, but we have the reason why we are able to develop them the way we are. It’s quite important that we know that, and that we understand it. We need to identify players properly and identify players that are not yet identified,” Andrew asserted.
Prompting reflective discussions, Kenneth Larsen, Sharon Springer, and Benaz Pirzamanbein skillfully crafted challenges that delved into various topics, including learning approaches, communication, teamwork, and group dynamics.
Yet, the true heroes of this transformative adventure were the 13 coaches who embraced the challenge. Noteworthy among them were Huawein Xu, an English coach, and Rajiv Ouseph, Swiss Badminton Head Coach, who shared their personal insights.
“I always want to come to these events and talk to different people, not just learning from the tutors, but also from the rest of the coaches. There are a lot of disturbances that make me think a lot in this course. Taking this course helps me understand in a much deeper way and push our limits. I just love it,” shared Huaiwen Xu, a BWF/BEC L3 participant.
Rajiv Ouseph, another BWF/BEC L3 participant, echoed the sentiment, stating, “It’s nice to have those dialogues with the rest of the coaches, see where the differences and similarities are, and see what’s working and not. I can take the best bits from other people’s pathways or past experiences and use them on what I think would fit best in our current situation in Switzerland.”
The course proved to be a life-changing experience from a coaching standpoint, providing coaches with a unique opportunity to broaden their perspectives, enhance their coaching skills, and nurture each other’s personal and professional development.