A recent cross-code collaboration between Canterbury Hockey and Canterbury Cricket has delivered a positive impact on coach development, community engagement, and youth sport environments. 

A recent cross-sport partnership between Canterbury Hockey and Canterbury Cricket has delivered a meaningful impact on coach development, community engagement, and youth sport environments. With the support of Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and Hockey New Zealand (HNZ), as well as an Australian based Skill Acquisition expert, Ian Renshaw, the regional sport organisations (RSOs) worked together to develop a community focused skill acquisition framework, grounded in the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA). The result was not only a more athlete-centered experience for rangatahi (youth) but also strengthened ties across sports and between organisations.

At the heart of the project was a shared goal: improve coaching outcomes by introducing a clear and practical way to apply the CLA in community settings. Both RSOs successfully integrated the model into their coaching programs and shared resources throughout the project. The project had a ripple effect well beyond the two RSOs. The partnership helped build stronger relationships between the respective National Sporting Organisations, marking a step forward in cross-code innovation and showcasing the power of collaboration in sport.

A key milestone in the project was the delivery of content to coaches involved with the delivery of 2024 player development programmes, and the impact on young athletes was clear. Feedback gathered during a skills camp highlighted the difference rangatahi noticed between their usual club or school coaching environments and the skill development program sessions shaped by the CLA. Participants rated the CLA-informed sessions more highly for their ability to promote skill development and enjoyment. This feedback helps to validate the CLA theory and importance of designing learning environments that reflect the realities of the game while encouraging player creativity and decision-making.

Developers from both cricket and hockey were also integral to the success of the project. Not only did they receive upskilling opportunities themselves, but they were also actively involved in co-designing the delivery of CLA within coaching courses. Led by Sunjay Ganda, Canterbury Hockey, Hockey Development Manager, they trialed the simplified model in coach development sessions which created opportunities to test, refine and gather feedback from community coaches, ensuring the content is both practical and impactful. This hands-on involvement extended into practical training environments, where developers observed coaches implementing the approach and provided feedback to further support coach learning and confidence.

Importantly, the project laid the foundation for lasting change. The CLA is now being embedded within local coach education frameworks, and as part of the HNZ skill learning modules. The next steps in integration of the key learnings and framework developed is the upskilling of HNZ Coach Developers and the offering of the ‘skill learning’ courses to community coaches, specifically those involved in the ‘Coaching of Competitive Players’ (CCP), National Coach Development Programme.

In summary, this project is a great example of how collaboration, shared learning, and a focus on evidence-based practice can drive positive change in coach development and youth sport experiences. HNZ is thankful for the support received from NZC, Sport NZ, Ian Renshaw, and would like to shout out Sunjay Ganda (Canterbury Hockey, Hockey Development Manager) for his work leading this project.

If you're a coach interested in exploring the modern skill learning framework, join the upcoming Modern Skill Learning webinar hosted by Canterbury Hockey. Sunjay Ganda will guide the session, breaking down the streamlined skill acquisition framework and offer practical coaching guidance shaped by the project, including how to embed the Constraints-Led Approach into your training sessions. Further details below:

Modern Skill Learning Webinar

Webinar Date & Time:  26 May, 7:00-8:30PM.

Target Audience:  Open to all NZ based coaches.

Note, it is designed for those who fit within the Coaching of Competitive Players, National Coach Development Programme.

Venue:  Online, calendar invite will be sent following registration.

Webinar Facilitator: Sunjay Ganda, with the support of a NZC Developer (Jack Hilton)

To register please CLICK HERE. 

Image: Ian Renshaw, Australian based skill acquisition expert, sharing his knowledge with Christchurch based community coaches.