Motorsport Ireland launches coaching programme amid push from Sport Ireland

Kelsey Kirby - Motorsport Ireland's Sport Development Officer. Pic: Michael Chester.

The lack of a formal coaching structure within Motorsport Ireland and encouragement from Sport Ireland for National Governing Bodies (NGB's) to develop and improve their coaching structures were the catalysts for Motorsport Ireland to launch a coaching programme. 

Recognition of motorsport competitors as elite athletes, which, according to Motorsport Ireland, cannot happen without an approved coaching structure in place, is also key to the process. 

Meanwhile, the Irish Examiner understands that the outcome of the MI Court of Inquiry with regard to the Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes and which was due to be published last Friday was deferred until Friday (January 16).

Motorsport Ireland, alongside its Rally Academy, recently announced the launch of what is described as its "newest Coaching Programme", adding that the programme will train those involved in motorsport to become qualified motorsport coaches. The aim is to create a coaching pathway in motorsport with an MI new Level 1 Coaching Award.

Sport Development Officer with Motorsport Ireland, Kelsey Kirby said: "As we are a multi-sport discipline, the decision has been taken to run a Rally Specific Course as a pilot first, before rolling the model out across other disciplines of the sport."

The programme has two key pillars - Coach Education and Coach Developer Support. 

The former will "provide coaches with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support drivers and co-drivers in their technical, tactical and personal development" and the latter is to "build a strong network of trained coach developers, who can guide and mentor other coaches, ensuring consistency, quality and long-term development across the sport".

The programme was approved by the Irish Motorsport Federation and the Motorsport Council as part of the 2024/2027 Strategic Plan that was launched at the MI Congress back in 2023.

Ms Kirby, along with other MI personnel, Art McCarrick and Ronnie Murphy and volunteers Joe Corcoran, Sean McHugh, Noelle Horan and Derek Brannigan are involved in the process, as is performance coach Alan Heary and Tony Wright from Sport Ireland.

It's introduction is not affected by the "pause" introduced with regard to MI council and commission appointments or the ongoing Strategic Structure Review (SSR) currently being undertaken by Motorsport Ireland. 

It is, as Ms. Kirby explained: "An office led project, so no requirement to hold off on its implementation."

One of the requirements to participate in the course states: "Been actively involved in motorsport for at least two years and completed five Motorsport Ireland affiliated events." 

In relation to Coach Developer Support, it adds: "Through a mix of in-person workshops, online learning, practical observations and expert-led sessions, you will develop the skills to support technical, tactical, physical, and mental performance, all underpinned by proven coaching principles from the wider sporting industry."

The Irish Examiner has been informed that Derek Brannigan and Noelle Horan are experienced competitors and are now Sport Ireland-approved Coach Developers. 

Ms Kirby, as SDO, is currently going through the Sport Ireland Coach Developer Course.

In response to why applications are only open to MI competition licence holders and not officials, Ms Kirby said. "It is important to stress this is, in a way, a 'pilot'."

"We will monitor feedback and make adaptions to future coaching programmes. Officials give a lot of time to the sport and their contributions are valued, but for this 'pilot' with Sport Ireland’s guidance, we have targeted active competitors."

On why the requirements also stipulated "two years and five events", she said: "Very simply, this is so those taking part in the coaching course are familiar and have practical experience of a number of recent introductions to rallying in Ireland, including but not limited to, fitment and use of tracking systems and minor entrant licence requirements."

According to an informative "what you need to know" about the process, it's explained that the course is for anyone that helps out other competitors in an informal setting to improve in their motorsport career. 

It will not improve a person's ability to become a better driver or co-driver (navigator) - it is designed for a person to learn how to become a good motorsport coach (not competitor) and focus on coaching principles and improving communication skills.