Hungary plays host to first UIPM Level 3 coaches course

Fifteen experienced Modern Pentathlon coaches gathered in Székesfehérvár, Hungary from January 8-12 to participate in the UIPM’s first Level 3 coaches course.

Six nations were represented – Hungary, Egypt, Great Britain, Spain, Italy and Moldova – and spent a week learning more about all five pentathlon disciplines as well as:

·        Planning and periodization

·        Team management

·        Anti-doping

·        Morals and ethics

·        Injury prevention

·        Strength and conditioning

The instructors were Christian Roudaut (FRA), Chair of the UIPM Coaches Committee, and Alexandre França (BRA), and the classes included speakers from the Hungarian Anti-Doping Association (HUNADA) and the University of Pécs.

On January 11, the coaches were invited to an official welcome reception in the City Hall by the Vice-Mayor of Székesfehérvár, Attila Mészáros.

Christian Roudaut said: “It was very good to see the huge effort of Hungarian Modern Pentathlon Association in supporting UIPM and making the delivery of the course much easier.

“We had a week of very hard work and it is great to witness the high level of the students and their dedication to the group work and exams. We are heading in the right direction to have better qualified human resources for a sustainable sport.”

Istvan Gallai, Secretary General of the Hungarian Modern Pentathlon Association (HMPA), said: "HMPA very much appreciated the chance to collaborate with UIPM to deliver the course. Hungarian coaches had the opportunity to learn more and improve their personal skills with a very fruitful exchange with coaches from other nations.

“In addition, the presence of speakers from academia and the Hungarian Anti-Doping Agency brought light to fundamental matters of the coaches’ professional lives."