Generation Z have been described as “the most connected, educated and sophisticated generation ever”.

It has been said that “they don’t just represent the future - they’re creating it”, and Sport Tasman are committed to making a better sporting connection with society’s younger brigade.

Consequently, they recently facilitated a coaching forum that explored how to engage and get the best out of Gen Z athletes - those aged from five to 22 - whose needs, wants and norms have been greatly impacted by technology.

Labelled “Coaching Generation Z”, the forum was staged at Saxton Field in Nelson on November 2 and attended by 25 people, including 21 local coaches, representing 10 different sports.

Sport Tasman community sport advisor Julie Price, from the four-strong organising team, said the aim of the forum was to help coaches within the region understand the landscape when coaching Gen Z athletes.

It was designed to “help coaches understand their athletes’ needs, wants, aspirations, what motivates them and how they learn … to ensure that both athlete and coach have a positive experience”.

The one-day forum, which opened with a mihi led by Koren Grason, Sport Tasman’s General Manager of Operations, brought together a number of facilitators from across New Zealand with a passion for both coaching and the development of young athletes.

Those attending had the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge, network with like-minded coaches and learn and share ideas to engage with young athletes.

Also among the group were five students, one from NMIT, one from Marlborough Girls’ College and three from Marlborough Boys’ College who were endorsed by their schools and took the opportunity to take a full part in proceedings.

Price said having the Gen Z-age students there was a positive. “The people that attended got a lot out of the fact the younger generation were there also … they learned from each other.”

Key note speaker at the event was Sue Morris, a former White Fern player and currently a member of the Innerfit team where she is the Crackerjack Kids author and lead trainer. She discussed how to engage Generation Z through developing their emotional intelligence as much as their physical prowess and described some key tools that coaches could use to get the best out of their athletes.

Her presentation complemented a strong line-up of presenters, including Claire Dallison, from NMIT, who led a practical session on strength and conditioning for young athletes, and Tneal Wilson, from Active Body Centre, whose practical session focused on injury prevention and management.

Also on deck were Fran McEwen, from Sport NZ, whose focus was on engaging women and girls, Leanne Turrell, from Volleyball Wellington, who discussed Athlete Awareness, Lesley McIntosh-Richards, from Sport Tasman, who highlighted the results of the recent Sport NZ Voice of the Participant survey, Justin Muschamp, from the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, who led an invigorating session on adaptive physical activity and the STEP principles, Jason Hylkema and Fletcher Matthews, from Tasman Performance, who talked about planning for the season and Kirsty Sharp, from NZ Rugby League, who focused on their “Be a Sport” Initiative that highlights the importance of creating a positive environment for young people.

Price described the forum as a success, based on feedback taken from the participants during the day.

“It was a long time in the planning but definitely worth doing. Next up may be a series of workshop along the same lines, perhaps based on areas that we have identified as needing to explore further.”

One of the forum participants, Nelson Rowing Club coach Hannah Starnes, said she had enjoyed the occasion and it had proved a valuable learning experience.

“It was cool. I coach 21 girls between the ages of 14 and 18 … have done for the past five years, and there has been a shift in how we deal with them. Their world is different.”

“I am on the cusp [of Gen X] so can kind of understand the social media side of it … but you see how it affects them and that’s really interesting.”

“When I was rowing, life was much more straightforward … but there is a lot more being thrown at them now. There is a big shift in the way we coach, and that is coming from the kids, because they are different and demand respect.”

“If you want to get the best out of them you have to make them feel safe and connected to you. There has been a really big shift [in attitude] and it has been so rewarding.”

Written by Peter Jones, Sport Tasman

Article added: Friday 23 November 2018