BCAB enhances learning opportunities for the Level 4 Performance Coach Award
Ben Hamilton • 5 November 2024

HOME / NEWS / Current Post

BCAB enhances learning opportunities for the Level 4 Performance Coach Award

In line with BCAB's commitment to providing an accessible and supportive learning experience, a comprehensive review of the Level 4 Performance Coach Award was carried out in early 2024. BCAB is delighted to share some changes that will be implemented to ensure the programme is both accessible and supportive. These changes will be live from 3rd January 2025.


Starting in 2025, Community of Learning events will become more accessible and flexible, offering a variety of delivery methods, including in-person sessions, online learning, and blended opportunities. This enables candidates to choose a range of options to support their learning journey.


Community of Learning events will also include varied opportunities for coaches to engage with the programme. This includes those starting their journey on the programme, for those that have been certificated to continually engage and enhance their learning, as well as those simply interested in the learning opportunities. 


An exciting new feature of the programme includes an additional mentoring discussion and a formalised on the water Coach Development session for candidates. Feedback from the review emphasised the significant role that Mentors and Coach Developers play in shaping the learning process. This added support will aid candidates deepen their knowledge and refine their coaching techniques through direct engagement with experienced professionals.



For those already registered on the Performance Coach programme, these changes will not affect you. However, you are invited to consider the new support mechanisms and discuss your options with your Delivery Centre.

Find out more about the updates to the Performance Coach or visit your Delivery Centre website to start your Performance Coach learning journey.


  • Canoe Wales
  • Paddle Northern Ireland
  • Paddle Scotland
  • Paddles Up Training (England and International) 


Share Post

by Ben Hamilton 20 July 2026
Product Recall: Joyhut Life Jacket
by Ben Hamilton 10 July 2026
Paddle NI’s Participation and Development Officer, Mark, travelled to Iceland after being invited to coach at the Iceland Sea Kayak Symposium, an event that brings together sea kayakers and coaches from across the world. The invitation reflects Mark’s growing expertise and the work he does to support paddlers and clubs here in Northern Ireland. Sea kayaking continues to be one of the most popular areas within our progressive paddles programme and opportunities like this help us keep our development work aligned with the highest coaching standards. The symposium focuses on sharing best practice, developing coaching approaches, and building the skills needed for safe paddling in moderate and advanced water environments, all of which directly supports our club work, leadership development and participation programmes. Paddle NI Head of Operations Rodger Hamilton said, “We encouraged and supported Mark to attend because staying up‑to‑date with the latest coaching methods and technical skills directly benefits the paddlers and volunteers he works with throughout the year. He has returned with new ideas, fresh perspectives and useful learning from working alongside international coaches”. We’re proud to see Northern Ireland represented at an event like this and delighted that Mark has come back with knowledge and connections that will strengthen our local programmes and the wider paddlesport community. Our next series of progressive paddles will run from September, keep an eye on social media channels for details.
by Lyn Sherriff 17 June 2026
The Clean Water Sports Alliance NI is appealing to the public to report poor water conditions in order to help build evidence base for change
View More