We are delighted to be able to confirm that the new "Get Qualified North West" support for sports and fitness coaches in the region is now available.

Lancashire Sport and the four other North West County Sports Partnerships were part of a consortium bid, led by the University of Cumbria, which has secured funding from the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council.

The funding will be available until June 2011. It is available for coaches who want to achieve a Level 2 or 3 in Coaching, across the North West, in Sport, Outdoors and Fitness. Funding will be available, up to 60%, but will be capped at a £200 contribution for a Level 2 and £300 for a Level 3.

Eligibility Criteria

Beneficiaries must be

19+years; live/work in the NW region; employed (paid or unpaid/volunteering)
Not in full time education
Applying to Get Qualified NW once only
(Please note that employers who apply for the funding, on behalf of a group of employees, must be eligible under State Aid)

Application Process

Book on to the course and pay for it in full

Complete course and pass re-imbursement will be made via the NGB, once evidence of achievement of the qualification is received
Current Situation

Sport

A number of NGBs have already signed up to the programme. These include: England Athletics, Badminton England, British Cycling, England Hockey, England Netball, England Squash and British Triathlon, English Lacrosse Association, Lancashire Cricket Board.

Others should follow soon, including: Baseball/Softball, Orienteering, Rowing, Table Tennis and Swim Northwest

The number of NGBs signing up is literally changing day by day, but the main message is that we want to encourage as many NGBs as possible to access this funding. So if an NGB is not yet signed up - coaches should contact the NGB direct and ask them where they are up to, in the process.

Fitness and Outdoor Activities

A range of outdoor courses and fitness qualifications can be supported through Get Qualified. Please refer to the University of Cumbria web-site for further information or check with a Project Contact if you are unsure whether the course you want to do can be funded.

On-line application at - www.getqualifiednw.org.uk