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14/01/2009
Western Counties Coaching Conference
Western Counties held a very successful, well attended coaching conference last week, hosted by Bristol Broad Plains ABC. The event attracted an impressive array of speakers, notably former Olympic medallist and world champion Richie Woodhall, and Kevin Hickey, the newly appointed performance director for the British Amateur Boxing Association.
Richie Woodall set the scene with a clear and unequivocal outline of the requirements to box successfully at international level, a discussion of the implications of the return to three 3-minute rounds, and some personal insights into effective weight management for boxers.
England national coach Mick Gannon provided a real insight into the English system of progression to international representation and clearly highlighted the link between England and the Western Counties.
Kevin Hay, the Regional coach for Western Counties, outlined the rapid rise of boxing in the area over the last two years, and the vast achievements made by Kevin and his team of coaches in a short amount of time.
Matthew Williams, national club and coach manager for the ABAE, provided an update on the progress of the new coach education programme. A number of coaches present provided positive feedback and the presentation proved valuable in helping the coaches to understand the new system.
Q Shillingford, who developed and delivers the boxing tutor course, delivered an informative session clarifying the role of the boxing tutor and making the clear distinction between the role of the boxing tutor and the boxing coach.
Kevin Hickey, although not yet a week into his new post, found time to visit and present awards on behalf of Western Counties to Kurt Ernest and Alan Brightman who have helped shape not boxing in the Western Counties and throughout England as well. Kevin joined the rest of the speakers to round off the day with an interesting and informative question and answer session. The session provided the coaches present with the opportunity to raise some interesting points for debate.
Kevin Hickey making presentations
to Kurt Ernest and Alan Brightman