At CrossFit Alberton (CFA), we believe that developing exceptional coaches is more than just about teaching movements—it’s about creating good humans who care for others and understand the importance of service. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how coaching development not only transforms individuals but also contributes to the growth of our community. Becoming a great coach goes beyond mastering physical skills; it’s about developing character, empathy, and the ability to meet people where they are in their fitness journey.
The Foundation of Our Coaches Development Program
One of my personal passions has been developing coaches. I’ve seen how building strong coaches can lead to remarkable breakthroughs in both physical performance and personal growth. The most important trait I look for in a coach is character. A coach might know all the movements and have a wealth of knowledge, but if they don’t have empathy or a genuine desire to help others, they won’t truly connect with their athletes. This is something we hold in high regard at CFA—we want coaches who not only teach the technical aspects of CrossFit but who care about the people they coach.
Our Coaches Development Program (CDP) is built on this core philosophy of care and service, while also providing the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to become a successful coach. We break our development into two levels, Level 1 and Level 2, to ensure a comprehensive learning experience for all of our aspiring coaches.
Level 1: Building a Strong Foundation
Our journey starts with Level 1, which focuses on the fundamentals of coaching. It all begins with a weekend seminar where we cover basic movements such as air squats, push presses, and back squats. These are the building blocks of CrossFit, and we dive into common faults and corrections, ensuring that our aspiring coaches understand the movements before they teach them to others.
After the weekend seminar, we follow up with six weeks of practical coaching sessions held every Monday evening at 6 PM. These sessions are a chance for our candidates to practice coaching in real-life scenarios, getting feedback and learning how to break down the movements for athletes at various levels. During this period, we focus on refining their coaching techniques and providing real-time feedback, which helps them grow as coaches and individuals.
To round off Level 1, we give our candidates a written test to assess their understanding of the material. It’s not a difficult test, but it ensures that they’ve absorbed the key concepts, and we provide them with a certificate to mark their achievement. This marks the foundation of their journey toward becoming a CrossFit coach.
Level 2: Taking it to the Next Level
Once Level 1 is complete, we move on to Level 2, which delves deeper into the more technical aspects of CrossFit. This includes refining movements like cleans, push jerks, and handstand push-ups, as well as discussing topics like basic anatomy and mobility. These are essential skills for any coach looking to provide a higher level of coaching, and we make sure that our coaches have a solid understanding of the mechanics behind each movement.
Like Level 1, Level 2 begins with a weekend seminar, followed by six weeks of Monday evening sessions where candidates can practice what they’ve learned. The focus here is on technical proficiency and understanding how to program and execute more complex movements.
We wrap up Level 2 with another written test to ensure that our coaches have absorbed the deeper technical knowledge. The Level 2 course is where coaches start to feel fully equipped to lead classes, troubleshoot movement issues, and provide personalised feedback.
The Importance of Character and Values
What sets our development program apart is the emphasis on values and character. We don’t just want technically skilled coaches—we want coaches who are invested in the success of their athletes and who embody the core values of CrossFit: integrity, hard work, and community. We believe that great coaching starts with the heart, and this philosophy permeates every aspect of our program.
The coaches we train at CFA are not just coaches—they’re mentors, role models, and motivators. They are trusted individuals who genuinely care about the people they coach and are committed to helping them reach their full potential, both in fitness and in life.
Join Our Coaching Team
Before our next Coaches Development Program begins, we’re hosting an Info Evening on the 8th of March 2025. This will be the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you may have and get a detailed overview of how the program works. After the Info Evening, the Coaches Development Program will officially begin on the 22nd of March 2025, and we can’t wait to guide you on this exciting journey.
Don’t worry about your experience level or ability—if you have the right attitude to learn, want to help others, and are committed to getting better, we want you! Whether you’re new to CrossFit or already have some experience, we’re looking for individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on others.
If you’re interested in becoming a coach at CFA, please get in touch with me, Coach Cam. This program is completely free of charge, and I’d love to chat with you about how you can become part of our coaching team and make a difference in the lives of others.
Conclusion
Our Coaches Development Program at CFA is a journey of growth, not just for our athletes but for our coaches as well. Through dedication, empathy, and technical expertise, we’re able to cultivate a team of coaches who truly make a difference. If you’re ready to take your passion for CrossFit to the next level and serve others in a meaningful way, we’d love to have you join us on this exciting journey.
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