Organised by NSW Sport and Recreation, the training evening is aimed at providing coaches with an understanding of the various facets of sports psychology and how it can assist them with their coaching.

NSW Sport and Recreation spokesperson, Mark Golledge, said the training course was aimed at the ‘everyday’ coach, not elite level coaches or athletes.

“Sports psychology is no different to the regular ball skills training or fitness training or game tactics training local coaches undertake when preparing teams and athletes for competition.

“We want to de-mystify what sports psychology is about and have structured the course to meet the needs of coaches of the school U8 footy team to the coaches or regional representative teams.

“All coaches seek to gain the best they can for their athletes and teams and sports psych is just another tool they can use in preparing them to perform at their best.”

Sports psychologist and counsellor , Lynda Clements-Smith, has been engaged to give coaches a sound knowledge of basic techniques they can use in their coaching programs.

“Lynda’s experience and knowledge of local and regional sport is a huge benefit to course participants,” Mr Golledge said.

“Lynda is a participant in this region’s sport and her experience working with local elite athletes puts her in the perfect position to talk to coaches about how they can use sports psychology in preparing their athletes and teams.

“I encourage all local coaches, regardless of their experience, to come along to this program, I’m sure it will benefit them and the athletes they coach.”

The course has a fee of $30 with pre-enrolment essential.

It will be held on April 30 and starts from 7.30pm at the Armidale City Bowling Club.

To obtain an enrolment form or for further information, please phone the NSW Sport and Recreation Tamworth office on 6766-1200 or visit the website at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au