Creating a Mentoring Programme for Sport: A ... - sports coach UK

40Creating a Mentoring Programme for Sport6Progress–reviewsessionsCelebration eventsin recognition ofachievementsGroup programmedevelopmentsessionsFace-to-faceeventsTargeted trainingand developmentopportunitiesSocial eventsNetworking andshared learningeventsPeriodic face-to-face contact, whether formal,structured sessions or more informal, social,relationship-building sessions, is beneficial. Thesesessions can be used in the ways outlined in thediagram above.This contact will help you to identify and resolve anyissues early, but also provides a means of gainingfeedback on the success of the programme and anopportunity for mentees to discuss views relevant tothem. A key output of these interactions should beto monitor and improve the quality of theprogramme. It may be wise to include attendance atthese events as a formal requirement ofany agreement.Once the programme is up and running, you canbegin in earnest to identify the additional trainingand development needs of both mentors andmentees. A TNA should be conducted for bothparties early on in the relationship, the output ofwhich can be used to design an ongoing trainingand development schedule.This training can be focused on refreshing orprogressing existing skills and/or developing newones that may allow mentors and mentees to takeon new roles both within and external to theprogramme. Where possible, these could be linkedto accredited programmes, nationally recognisedinitiatives or even formal qualifications.