The UK Coaching Certificate is a nationally recognised standard for coach and teacher education spearheaded by sports coach UK and centred on the needs of athletes.

A world-leader in teacher and coach education, British Swimming is one of six sports to be involved in the first stage of the UKCC and its first qualifications are planned to be available from January 2007.

UKCC qualifications will ultimately be offered from levels one to four in teaching and coaching across all four aquatic disciplines. A flexible framework allows teachers and coaches to transfer between disciplines, be assessed within their own environment and even learn online.

A further distinction between teachers and coaches means individuals have the opportunity to pursue excellence within their chosen age group rather than having to progress to senior athletes in order to further their careers.

For more information on the UKCC, log onto www.ukcoachingcertificate.org