Latest news with #CAFWomenInstructorsDevelopmentProgram
CAF
27-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
A New Approach to Coach Training: The Art of Communicating to Teach Better
Published: Thursday, 27 March 2025 As part of the second phase of the CAF Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP) a seminar on sports communication was led by Andy Cale, an English sports psychologist and former football coach. A paradigm shift in Coach Training During this workshop, Cale highlighted an innovative approach to coach training, emphasizing a fundamental shift: less focus on content and more on delivery. The goal is to create learning environments where future coaches can ask questions, interact with their trainers, and deepen their understanding. He pointed out that this transition was not easy, particularly for coaches from the older generation who struggled to adapt to these new methods. However, those who have been able to evolve recognized the importance of changing teaching methods so that the information could be better absorbed by players. The Importance of the Learning Environment Cale explained that the quality of the learning environment plays a key role in how knowledge is received and absorbed. The goal is to make training sessions more interactive and engaging, creating conditions where coaches feel comfortable expressing their ideas and asking questions. The preliminary exercises requested before the workshop were designed to get participants to reflect on their learning and communication styles. Although some aspects of these exercises were not fully addressed during the session, they remain valuable reference points for personal reflection later on. Effective communication for coaching Another key point of the workshop was communication skills. Cale emphasized the importance of tailoring one's message based on the target audience: leaders, club owners, players, or coaching staff. Each group has different expectations, so it is essential to adjust one's approach accordingly. In an international context, where values and communication preferences may vary, accepting cultural differences is crucial. Cale illustrated these principles by referencing excerpts from two books he recommends: Psychology for Football and Momentum in Soccer . The latter, which includes chapters on communication, was offered to the participants in digital format. Being Yourself While Improving A central message of the workshop was reminding coaches of the importance of staying true to their personal style. Cale acknowledged that the participants were already good communicators and well-respected in their field. The goal was not to change them, but to provide them with tools to refine their way of delivering information. He encouraged participants to reflect on their own communication styles and consider adjustments based on the audience and context. A coach speaking to children cannot use the same language as when addressing adults. Likewise, the expectations of associations and clubs can influence how a message should be communicated. Adapting language to the audience Cale also emphasized the importance of knowing who you are addressing. Is it a player? A club owner? An assistant coach? Each audience requires a different approach and the ability to adapt to make communication more effective. As an exercise, he asked participants to reflect on the various aspects of effective communication. This introspection aimed to help each person identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Several participants shared the impact of these exercises on their perception of knowledge transmission. The importance of communication and understanding the expectations of one's audience are key elements that every coach must integrate to optimize their teaching and make it more effective. This workshop thus provided a valuable experience for all participants, encouraging them to continue reflecting on their own practices and to consider positive changes in their way of teaching and communicating.
CAF
07-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF WIDP: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Women's Football
The opening of the CAF Women Instructors Development Program (WIDP) seminar on Tuesday, 04 February brought together football professionals to discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in football, with a particular focus on its use in management and leadership. This enriching session was led by Jules McGeever, Marketing Manager at Celtic FC, and overseen by CAF's Head of Women's Football, Ms Meskerem Tadesse Goshime. The highlighted the intersections between emerging technologies and leadership development in football. The CAF Women Instructors Development Program is another innovative addition to CAF's Women's Football Development strategy and will run in different modules between March and May 2025. The Role of AI in Influencing Leaders The seminar addressed key themes, including the essential role of leadership, the adaptation of management styles, and the importance of communication. McGeever emphasized that a leader should inspire through influence rather than authority, and that AI can play a crucial role in analysing behaviours and providing precise feedback on leadership practices. 'AI allows us to extract essential data on human behaviours, which helps us better understand how leaders can influence and motivate their teams more effectively,' McGeever stated. The goal is to strengthen the discipline and responsiveness of leaders when facing complex, situations. The Adaptability of Leadership Styles in a Sports Environment The adaptability of leadership styles was also discussed, particularly in the sports context where team dynamics are constantly evolving. AI could assist in refining coaches' decisions based on players' performances and interactions. McGeever compared this approach to running a marathon, where discipline and perseverance are crucial for long-term success. The Importance of Self-Confidence for Female Leaders Another important aspect of the seminar was the significance of self-confidence for female leaders. In a field where women are still underrepresented, AI could play a supportive role by enabling leaders to better understand the perceptions of their communication, particularly their body language and tone of voice, to enhance their authority without adopting an overly authoritative approach. 'AI allows us to detect details invisible to the naked eye, such as micro-expressions and tone of voice, which is essential for strengthening the presence and communication of female leaders,' McGeever added. The Challenges of Integrating AI into Sports The challenges of integrating AI into sports were also discussed, emphasizing the need for human understanding behind the data. AI should not replace human interpretation and management of teams but rather complement them. The ethics of using data and respecting players' privacy remain important for the successful integration of AI into sports management. AI for Delegation and Stress Management in Leadership The seminar also highlighted the importance of delegation and stress management in leadership. Jules McGeever stressed that a true leader must know when to delegate tasks and how to maintain an overview. AI could assist leaders in delegating more effectively by analysing the skills and weaknesses of team members. In terms of stress management, AI can provide real-time assessments of emotional states, enabling informed decisions to keep a team calm and resilient. AI, a Valuable Tool for Female Leaders in Football This is the first step of a three-month program, with the next module focused on communication, scheduled for 18 March 2025. Instructors will participate in both online and in-person sessions, with a final evaluation taking place in Addis Ababa in May 2025. This program is part of a larger effort to promote women in football leadership and encourage them to take key roles in the management and coaching of football in Africa. AI could be a valuable tool in this initiative, supporting leaders in optimizing their impact, improving their management and building strong relationships within their teams.
