Coaching for Impact Applications now Open
Applications are now open for the FREE Sport NZ Coaching for Impact Programme. Targeting Secondary School Coaches
Coaching for Impact is a free coaching programme introduced by Sport NZ in 2021. The main objective of the programme is to grow a collaborative network of coaches who influence positive change in youth sport aligned with the Balance is Better philosophy. Coaching for Impact will broaden the availability and access to high-quality coaching experiences for rangatahi in secondary schools and their local clubs.
The upcoming programme will be led by New Zealand Cricket, with the support of Sport NZ and other National Sporting Organisations, including Hockey New Zealand. It will be delivered to a North Island cohort of coaches (centered in Wellington) and a South Island cohort of coaches (centered in Christchurch). Coaches outside of these areas are welcome to apply, but will be responsible for any cost associated with travel.
Hear from coaches involved in the first ever Coaching for Impact program in 2021 and find out more information about the programme below.
Who can apply
Coaching for Impact is open to all experienced New Zealand coaches who;
- Actively coaching secondary school age athletes in a school, club, regional or national sport organisation (or similar).
- Three or more years coaching experience is recommended,
- History of continuous learning and development
- A committed learner and be willing to invest time in your own development
This opportunity is for up to 50 selected coaches from different sports, split across two hubs in Wellington and Christchurch. Coaches outside of these areas are welcome to apply, but will be responsible for any cost associated with travel.
Program Information
The full program will run over 14 months from February 2026 to April 2027.
The content and structure of the programme has been designed to take into account the particular needs of coaches working with secondary school age athletes, balanced against the time constraints you operate under.
- Costs: Costs associated with the program that will be covered by New Zealand Cricket, Hockey New Zealand and other partnering National Sporting Organisations are: Morning teas, lunches, external presenters and venue hire. Any travel or accommodation costs affiliated with participating in the program are the responsibility of the coach.
- Dates: The following dates have been set out for the 2026 - 2027 program:
- Introductory session hosted virtually on Monday the 23rd of February 2026 (7.30 - 8.30pm)
- Learning camp 1: Sun 15th March, 2026 (9am - 4pm)
- Learning camp 2: Sun 29th March, 2026 (9am - 4pm)
- Learning camp 3: Sat 12th - Sun 13th September, 2026 (9am - 4pm both days)
- Learning camp 4: Sat 3rd - Sun 4th April, 2027 (9am - 4pm both days)
- Additional Opportunities: There will be pre-recorded webinars that will be made available to coaches who are confirmed as attendees – it is expected coaches consume these in their own time as they will supplement the face-to-face learning camps.
How to Apply
Coaching for Impact is a free programme, and applications will be open from Monday 3 November, 2025 to Friday 21 November, 2025 at 5pm.
The programme is limited to 50 spaces (25 in North Island programme and 25 in South Island programme) and coaches will be notified of selection prior to the 16th January, 2026.
All applications must be endorsed by a school, club, regional or national sport organisation. Hockey New Zealand will contact them if required for further details regarding your eligibility. You will also need to have completed a Criminal Record Check in the last two years, or acceptance into the programme will be subject to this.
If you have any questions please contact us at coaching@sportnz.org.nz
Image: 2023-2024 Coaching For Impact Auckland Hub Coaches Workshop
Left to Right, Danelda Van Der Merwe, Lydia Woods, Carla Johl, Jack Clayton (Developer), Will Lacey, Elliot Bartholomew, Nicole Youman (Trainer)
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