First group of new coaches qualify in the inaugural FUNdamentals: Assitant Coach course.

26 new coaches from 13 clubs have earned their boxing coaching stripes in the first coaching courses to take place since early 2020.

The FUNdamentals Assistant Coach course is part of the IABA’s new Coach Education pathway, and has been developed by the Coach Education Committee to meet Sport Ireland Standards. The Coach Education Committee is a collaboration between members and staff and includes: Micheal Hawkins (Holy Trinity Boxing Club, Belfast) Chair; Antoinette Fay McClean (Dungarvan Boxing Club, Waterford) IABA National Secretary; Gus Farrell, (Monivea Boxing Club, Galway) IABA Coach Tutor;Staff members – National Development Manager, James Geraghty & Bridget Scott

The reformed and redeveloped IABA Coach Education Pathway has three levels:

  • Fundamentals of Coaching Boxing Assistant Coach – This course is for those wishing to begin their coaching career and gain an excellent grounding in fundamental technical aspects of boxing. Assistant coaches may sit at second corner in championship bouts, and may sit at first or second at club, county or provincial bouts.
  • Level 1 Club Coach – This course provides the minimum certification required for coaches to act as first corner in championship bouts and provides the technical grounding to enable coaches to bring boxers to competition.
  • Level 2 Performance Coach – This course provides advanced technical skills and coaching techniques to Level 1 qualified coaches.

These new coaches can:

  • Assist any level 1 coach or above in their boxing club.
  • Are insured to coach within their boxing club.
  • Sit as number one in the corner for club, county and provincial competition.
  • Sit as number two to Level 1 coaches and above at national competition.
  • Assist in delivering schools boxing programmes.
  • Begin their 6-month journey gaining experience until they can apply for the IABA Level 1 (Club Coach) qualification.

Over 210 people have registered their interest in qualifying as a Fundamentals-Assistant Coach – IABA is making direct contact with each person to advise them of the details of their course. Numerous courses are scheduled in the coming weeks, bringing to 5 the number of opportunities for qualification for new coaches in a 5 week period:

November 19th: Ulster

November 26th – two courses will take place, simultaneously, in the National Stadium

December 4th: Connacht

Additional FUNdamentals: Assistant Coach courses will take place in the New Year and dates will be announced in due course.