So much research is being published on coaching, it’s hard to keep up. Here are four new papers that I’ve chosen to update our curriculum on the MSc in Applied Sports Coaching.
These papers provide valuable reading for anyone involved in coaching and coach development.
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Some context first. We use the European Sports Coaching Framework to structure our curriculum on the first module. It gives us four areas to go after:
- A philosophy for coaching as the foundation (values and beliefs informing vision and strategy)
- Shaping the coaching environment
- Building and maintaining relationships
- Behaviours in practice and competition
Philosophy for Coaching
It’s great to learn from the examples of others. Here are two case studies of how the guiding philosophies of prominent coaches evolved over time.
Shape the Environment
Coaches can use this Open Access paper from Professor Kristoffer Henriksen and colleagues to reflect on how they lead and how they manage the delicate balances their role requires.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029225000767
Building and Maintaining Relationships
A fantastic overview of 25 years of research on coach athlete relationships from Professor Sophia Jowett:
“by forging good quality relationships, coaches and athletes do not just survive but they flourish and thrive individually and together – a simple idea that in reality is not always easy to achieve”
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1469029225001086
Behaviours in practice and competition
The fourth and final topic area on the first module is coach behaviours. Here’s the latest paper we will use inform our discussion via Professor Christine Nash with lots of content to stimulate a productive discussion: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17408989.2025.2522446
Remember, when it comes to evaluating a MSc programme, all have access to the same resources. It is the quality of the “sense-making” that counts.
Where can I read more about the programme?
A course overview is available here, or you can take a look at #MScAppliedSportsCoachingUL where you will find insights such as exemplar pre-course activities and examples of the type of research we will be engaging with. You can also explore these FAQs.
The student perspective:
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for late applications for the September 2025 start is July 28th, subject to places remaining on the programme.
If you are interested in the programme or require further information please contact:
Dr Philip Kearney PhD
Course Director – MSc Applied Sports Coaching
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences
University of Limerick
Limerick.
Ireland
Tel: 00-353-61202844
Email: ASC@ul.ie
Dr Phil Kearney is the Course Director of the MSc Applied Sports Coaching within the PESS Department here at the University of Limerick. View Phil’s profile: https://pure.ul.ie/en/persons/philip-kearney
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