The ‘ARC’ model of coaching practice
Dr Jim Lusted, Senior Lecturer in Sport & Fitness recently presented at the UK Sport Development Network (UKSDN) annual conference at Nottingham Trent University. The conference is designed to bring academic researchers and people working in sport together to learn from each other. Jim’s presentation, in collaboration with Dr Daniel Kilvington (Leeds Beckett University), introduced the ‘ARC’ model of anti-racist coaching practice and included recommendations for sport coaches and organisations to effectively support players and athletes from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
The ARC model was created by Jim and Dan out of a research project funded by The Premier League, who were keen to develop some good practice for football coaches at professional club youth academies. The research team conducted over 30 interviews with football coaches working across professional and grassroots boys football to explore their conceptions of anti-racist coaching practice and elicit good practice in coaching young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. From these findings, six core principles were established to form the ARC model, which include:
- Create an ARC environment
- Build culturally aware relationships
- Adapt practice to need diverse cultural needs
- Develop the person as well as the player
- Be culturally self-aware and reflective
- Be an ARC ‘influencer’
A number of recommendations to help coaches and organisations embed these ARC principles were also outlined. These include the importance of coaches seeking regular feedback on their practice from players, parents and other coaches and to develop a curiosity to learn more about their players and their specific cultural needs. Organisations should seek to prioritise and support the adoption of ARC principles, including using them for coach recruitment and appraisal processes and offer the time and space for coaches to get to know their players beyond just their football ability.
As part of the project, a 3-hour ARC training workshop was designed and has already been delivered to coaches at two premier league club academies. More workshops at a number of clubs are planned for the 24/25 season. In addition, an Open Learn course is currently in production titled ‘Anti-racist sport coaching practice’ which should be available to learners in the summer of 2025.
Congratulations to Jim for sharing his research with the sport academic and practitioner community!