Jayce
The Erasmus+ Sports 2021-2023 ADVANCE project, co-funded by the EU Erasmus+ program, recently concluded its vibrant coaching journey with the final meeting of project partners.
Launched in early 2021 with a training needs analysis, the ADVANCE project has become a wellspring of innovation in badminton coach education. After three years of collaborative effort, project partners, including the German Badminton Association, Badminton Scotland, Badminton Netherlands, and educational institutions such as the University of Cyprus and the National University of Physical Education and Sports Bucharest, as well as the International Council for Coaching Excellence, introduced a groundbreaking 10-month coach education course. This course is complemented by the forthcoming online European Badminton Coaching Platform and a coaching manual, both of which will be freely accessible to the badminton coaching community.
On December 13, a grand closing ceremony was held at the Dutch National Sports Centre Papendal in Arnhem, the venue for the final transnational project meeting. Jacob Oehlenschlaeger, BEC Development and High Performance Senior Manager and ADVANCE Project Manager, reflected on the intellectual achievements made.
“Looking back on the three-year journey of the ADVANCE project, I am incredibly satisfied with our accomplishments. We underwent a comprehensive process to develop an ambitious badminton coach education based on an extensive training needs analysis—this analysis helped us create an excellent badminton coaching framework, which we translated into a detailed coaching manual. This education was tested through the 10-month ADVANCE Badminton Coach Education, involving 16 coaches. We also developed an online platform to support the learning process throughout the education. Overall, I am truly pleased and thankful to our partners, the 16 coaches, and the mentors involved in the project. Finally, a huge thanks to the EU for their support of our project. I eagerly look forward to starting the second edition of the ADVANCE Badminton Coach Education.”
As the ADVANCE project moves into its next phase, attention shifts to the remaining two intellectual outcomes—the aforementioned instructor manual and the online coaching platform. This platform is more than just a resource; it is a hub that connects the first edition of the ADVANCE coach education course with future cohorts of coaches.
Reflecting on the past, the three years of hard work were not in vain. The first edition of ADVANCE not only successfully developed and tested four intellectual outcomes but also achieved the coveted approval and recognition equivalent to BWF Level 3.
The excitement doesn’t end here. Next year, ADVANCE will welcome its second edition. Sixteen new coaches will take the baton and embark on a 10-month coaching education journey, ensuring the legacy of ADVANCE continues to evolve, shaping the future of badminton coaching.
