UIPM Coaches Certification Programme (CCP): Global gains during hugely productive month

From an exclusive select group reaching rarified heights to new cohorts taking their first steps on the ladder, the beginning of the summer has been a hugely fruitful period in the development of UIPM coaching worldwide. 

With four separate UIPM Coaches Certification Programme (CCP) courses taking place between late May and mid-June, the investment and focus in growing the base of skilled and qualified coaches continues to reap rewards. 

A landmark online course saw an exclusive group of six coaches reach the very top of the CCP tree, achieving Level 4 certification after a four-day gathering overseen by former UIPM Executive Board member and Coaches Committee Chair Christian Roudaut (FRA).

The cohort of two women and four men, representing five countries, all successfully achieved the highest-level certification within the CCP pathway, and UIPM Educator Roudaut said: “Our goal for this Level 4 course was to provide a stimulating syllabus for coaches who aspire to work at the very highest levels of our sport and I can now adamantly say we achieved that — and more.

“These highly experienced coaches have now taken a step up to a level which puts them among the very best in our sport. It was a week which provided a reminder of the quality and energy of coaches we have in our sport.”

Elsewhere, three distinct regions of development and growth for the sport — South Asia, the Middle East and Africa — saw energetic groups of coaches emerge and develop their talents. 

In Sri Lanka, a week-long Level 1 CCP saw newcomers join the ranks of first-time qualified coaches. Led by UIPM Educator and Coaches Committee Member Liu Shen-Hun (TPE), the 10 Sri Lankan participants were put through their paces over five days from May 27-31 before completing their Level 1 certifications with flying colours. 

UIPM Instructor Liu said: “Helping a group of first-time coaches navigate their first certification is one of the real joys of what we do. Bring fresh minds and ideas into our sport, particularly in nations where Pentathlon is emerging and growing, is a huge benefit. My sincere thanks to all of the participants and all who supported this course.”

The following week it was the turn of a large group to also take their formative steps along the UIPM coaching pathway as Kuwait witnessed a significant moment in its development. In a five-day gathering from May 31-June 4 conducted by Coaches Committee Member and former Athletes Committee Chair Yasser Hefny (EGY), a group of 25 earned their first stripes, successfully completing their Level 1 course.

UIPM Educator Hefny (EGY) said: “We know that the Middle East region has been making significant strides in recent years. Kuwait has been a big part of that and we have seen Kuwaiti athletes competing at elite-level major UIPM competitions.

“Growing the country’s coaching base is vital to continuing that positivity. I’m very proud to have helped such a keen and focused group achieve their aims and officially begin their journey.”

This particularly productive period also found room for another important CCP course, this time in the African nation of Malawi, which joined the UIPM family in 2018. From June 3-7, a six-strong group of early career coaches marked their continued development as they undertook their Level 2 certification under the expert eye of Ricardo Vera (MEX). It followed important CCP courses which have taken place in Uganda and Mali in recent times. 

UIPM Instructor Vera said: “It was a real honour to spend such a productive week with a tightly knit and highly motivated group in Malawi. We know that both Egypt and South Africa have been pillars for our sport in the continent of Africa and there is so much energy and interest across the rest of the continent.

“I’m glad to have helped harness that with this course. My sincere thanks to UIPM and to local organisers for their help.”