Performance Coach Development Programme
A unique learning opportunity for coaches to be mentored and supported in fulfilling their potential as performance coaches
What is the Performance Coach Development Programme?
The British Rowing Performance Coach Development Programme (PCDP) in partnership with the GB Rowing Team, will bring together up to eight ambitious coaches from around the pathway network. The programme is a unique opportunity for a cohort of coaches to be supported in fulfilling their potential to develop as performance coaches, capable of progressing athletes to perform on the world stage.
The programme has been designed by experienced high performance coaches who have worked in rowing at international level and are committed to supporting coaches to be at their very best. Throughout the programme coaches will have the opportunity to work with others from a range of environments. Coaches will be challenged and supported by coaching mentors to interpret what they learn and apply it in their own coaching environment.
Who is the Performance Coach Development Programme for?
The programme is aimed at coaches who are…
- Motivated to develop performance athletes at any stage of the pathway.
- Committed and excited to learn, reflect and invest in their own development.
- Championed in their development by their clubs.
Please note: This programme is only open to coaches of clubs affiliated in England.
What can I expect on the programme?
The programme runs over one year, commencing in November and concluding with a final panel discussion at the end of the 12-month period.
The programme consists of face-to-face days and online discussions along with three field-based visits in your coaching environment. Access to further development opportunities and resources, with group follow-up are included.
In addition to these days, the programme will provide individual one-to-one support.
The main activity for the programme is over the winter months so it should fit in comfortably with your daily work.
Key People
Meet the Key People
Robin Williams MBE |
Robin has over 30 years of wide ranging coaching experience including 11 years at Cambridge University, four years with the men’s lightweight squad and six years with the women’s heavyweight squad including lead coach for the Glover/Stanning W2- at the 2012 and 2016 Games. |
| Peter Sheppard Head Coach – Olympic Pathways  |
Under Peter’s guidance GB’s young rowers have performed consistently on the international stage and provide a significant contribution to the senior team, with a number of rowers aiming to compete at the Olympic Games having developed through the Junior and U23 pathway. |
| Doug MacDonald Coach Developer – Olympic Pathway  |
Doug has worked widely across the UK High Performance system as a performance coach developer, supporting coaches from grassroots all the way through to current Olympic head coaches. Doug works within the Olympic Pathway team, leading on coach development support to British Rowing’s Olympic Pathway coaches. |
- Robin Williams MBE
- Robin has over 30 years of wide ranging coaching experience including 11 years at Cambridge University, four years with the men’s lightweight squad and six years with the women’s heavyweight squad including lead coach for the Glover/Stanning W2- at the 2012 and 2016 Games.
- Peter Sheppard
Head Coach – Olympic Pathways
- Under Peter’s guidance GB’s young rowers have performed consistently on the international stage and provide a significant contribution to the senior team, with a number of rowers aiming to compete at the Olympic Games having developed through the Junior and U23 pathway.
- Doug MacDonald
Coach Developer – Olympic Pathway
- Doug has worked widely across the UK High Performance system as a performance coach developer, supporting coaches from grassroots all the way through to current Olympic head coaches. Doug works within the Olympic Pathway team, leading on coach development support to British Rowing’s Olympic Pathway coaches.
Application process and costs
Individuals are invited to submit an application form.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
For more information regarding this programme please contact the Learning, Education and Development Team on [email protected].
The cost to each coach is £250.00.
If this opportunity is not quite right for you, there will be more development opportunities during Coaching Week, so please keep an eye out.