At first I thought I was fairly limited when it came to my professional network and the tools I utilise but on reflection I have a good platform to be able to expand upon. I realised that it's not all social media based, although that's coming into its own, but many of the tools have been in place for quite some time. Much like a the dance industry being a family hockey has a specialist following that we refer to being a family too. Over the years of being a player I have made many friends from other clubs and naturally my own club too. I still play every Saturday and so over the season visit clubs throughout Kent, Sussex and Surrey meeting up with my friends to set the hockey world to right. Since the beginning of my coaching career I've noticed that my network has grown due to the fact I'm forced, in a nice way, to interact with other coaches, parents and of course the players from many other clubs. As coaches we work closely together forming a 'special' bond and almost have a family within a family. We support and help each other as much as possible.
The tools I use......
Post match socialising,
Post coaching socialising,
Attending hockey events,
Specialist coaching days,
E-mail,
Facebook,
Twitter, texting and phone calls.
The majority of clubs have websites, Facebook and Twitter pages that keep there members and any other interested parties up to date on fixtures, results and forthcoming events etc.
Here's the link to my club.......http://www.owhc-hockey.co.uk
From a coaching perspective I use email mostly to forward session plans to assistant coaches so they're prepared for the coming weeks sessions. I'm a member of a company called Sportplan who have a website on which I can create templates and draw up intricate plans before forwarding them on......http://www.sportplan.net
There is also a forum on the site in which you can discuss with other members hockey related questions gaining more information for yourself. Sportplan are highly recommended and backed by England hockey who are fundamental in the development of young players and coaches throughout the land. The England hockey website is awash with information, job vacancies, player vacancies and all upcoming international and domestic events. I follow them on both Facebook and Twitter as they have pages on both. I have often visited the job vacancy page to see what, if any, coaching jobs are available......http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/jobs.asp?section=29§ionTitle
Although there are adverts for coaches I wasn't sure if there were many coaches that advertised themselves. After a google search it appears that it's mostly a case of putting yourself forward after seeing the advert. Would it be beneficial to advertise myself as a coach with a specialist page on Facebook and Twitter? Or to create my own website? This is something I'm going to research as it's possible that as I build my coaching cv and network I'll be able to utilise fully.
This brings me on to what I see as my ideal network. I'd like a network where I'm surrounded by many other coaches of all standards from which I can gain experience and knowledge. We work together so to be able to call upon a friends help is a useful tool to have. It would be of much benefit to be in contact with a physiotherapist and professional fitness coaches as these are becoming more essential to the well being of players of all ages. Fortunately enough I'm friends with an osteopath and a fitness coach so it's a good start but I plan to build up my network.
It would be useful to know people who runs sports centres as pitch hire is important. Having an investor or sponsor could be key. Equipment isn't cheap and doesn't last forever. Finding some funding to put towards your own coaching days and workshops would be very helpful. I'm fortunate enough to have my club associated with a school who I also coach for so pitch hire is fairly easy...but more options would always be welcome.
Upon reflection I have a good start but writing this has made me want to press forward hopefully expanding my network. There's always room for development and I'm keen to create a good professional name for myself. What next I ask myself...
