Emma Atkins named new Director of Coaching at Sports Coach UK
Sports Coach UK has announced Emma Atkins as its new Director of Coaching, a new role that will commence from June when Emma will leave her current position of Chief Executive of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
In her new role Emma will lead the on-going development of coaching requirements for sport and physical activity in the UK. And will work with key stakeholders, alongside Sports Coach UK’s technical team and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Gannon, to help shape and inform the ongoing evolution of coaching in the UK.
With a background in sports coaching and administration spanning more than 20 years, Emma joined the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust as Sports Director in 2008 and became Chief Executive in 2015.
During her tenure, the Trust has grown to positively impact the lives of more than 300,000 young people facing disadvantage across the UK and has also supported over 500 athletes with their transition into lives beyond sport.
Emma was also instrumental in taking the Trust’s signature ‘Get on Track’ programme to 50 areas across the UK – led by world class athletes, the programme is aimed at people aged 16-25 who are facing disadvantage to enhance their employability prospects, as well as keeping them physically active.
On her new position, Emma commented:
“This is an incredibly exciting period for Sports Coach UK and for coaching and I am thrilled to be joining the organisation at a pivotal point in its history.
“Great coaching is the key to supporting everyone to have positive attitudes towards sport and physical activity no matter what their motivations are. I look forward to ensuring that Sports Coach UK is the coaching team all delivery organisations can trust to ensure great coaching impacts on people throughout the UK.”.
Mark Gannon, Chief Executive Officer at Sports Coach UK, said:
“I am delighted to be welcoming Emma to the team as she brings with her a vast wealth of coaching experience in practice and leadership with the Dames Kelly Holmes Trust, achieving a positive impact on the lives of many young people.
“This is another step forward for our organisation as we strive to put coaching at the heart of physical activity and sport. I am confident that with Emma’s direction we will demonstrate the impact that great coaching has, not only in sport, but on society as a whole.”