Scottish Orienteering Association

Club Coach (L5/26_1) – Blended Learning
2026-01-26 19:30 - 2026-03-08 21:00 (Europe/London) | Online
A Scottish Coaching Certificate in Orienteering fully accredited by the SQA, this course blends theory and practical providing the knowledge and skills to run single sessions within a framework set up by a more experienced coach.
INTENDED FOR:
Active Foundation level coaches or Young Coach Assistants interested in furthering their experience to gain a licenced coaching qualification.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Delivered mainly online over a 5 – 6 week period, this course comprises:

Four online, tutor led, interactive sessions online of 1.5 hrs each.
Exact day will be decided in consultation with learners to take other commitments into consideration.
1 full day in person practical which includes the assessment
The assessment may be split over 2 days in the winter due to lack of daylight or split into a North and South day
The first online session will be w/b 26th January 2026. All pre-course work will need to be completed prior to this date.
The pre-course work will be sent out before Christmas giving the learner a good amount of time to complete the work.

ASSESSMENT:
Written tasks and observation of practical coaching sessions by a qualified assessor. The practical assessment will take place over the weekend of 7th/8th March 2026
COURSE OUTLINE:
The focus of the Level 5: Club Coach is the single session usually progressing a skill within the session. Building on the basic skills and knowledge covered in Coaching Foundation, the course includes the theory of what and how to coach, practical exercise planning and delivery including risk management and developing yourself as a coach.
PRE-REQUISITES:

Attendance at Coaching Foundation course
Aged 17 or over
Evidence of competence at orienteering at TD4 or above
Current member of British Orienteering for insurance purposes

COST:
£170 per person, £200 non-members. sportscotland funding is now administered through SOA and may cover part of your course fee depending on your circumstances. Please consult your club treasurer if you are expecting your club to pay your fee.
BOOKING:
Email suzanne@scottish-orienteering.org for further information or use the Google form to register for the course. Closing date for applications is Monday 8th December 2025.

Young Coach Assistant Glenmore Lodge - 26th April
2026-04-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Aviemore area
A course combining theory and practical for juniors with some knowledge of orienteering (TD3 standard ), who are interested in helping with coaching in a club, squad, camp or school setting. This course is a fun and sociable introduction to aspects of coaching and is in 2 parts:

1.5 hours online (one evening during the week before the practical day)
A fun practical day (10am – 4pm) on Sunday 26th April 2026.
You are required to attend both parts to complete the course.

Cost:
The training is provided free of charge but you will be required to commit to a period of mentored volunteering.

Course Content:

Discussion around what to coach and how to coach orienteering; practical self and peer evaluated exercises.
Pre-requisites:
Competent orienteers at least at TD3; M/W14+
OTHER NOTES:

This course counts as a pre-requisite for the SCCO Level 5 Club Coach course.
MORE DETAIL:
This course will be held in Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore
Book online through the Google form by Fri 17th April or contact Suzanne Robins-Bird with any questions
