Role of Coaches, Mentors, and Facilitators

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the role of coaches and the impact of coaching practices on youth development. Research emphasizes the crucial importance of coaches and facilitators in fostering positive youth development outcomes. While it seems obvious that coaches and other programme facilitators have unique opportunities to influence youth, there is not yet a consensus on exactly what differentiates effective from ineffective coaches. Factors such as leadership, expertise, motivation, education, and experience are often cited, together with an ability to form meaningful relationships with youth. There follows a discussion of effective coaching strategies and leadership style to encouraging development. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the key findings of recent research on the role and practices of sport coaches, facilitators and volunteers involved in sport-based positive development programmes.