Tchoukball coaches get a boost with scholarship and partnership programme
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Former national athlete Muhammad Raziq, seen competing in the Asia Pacific Tchoukball Championships 2024, wants to transition into coaching.
PHOTO: TCHOUKBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
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SINGAPORE – In a bid to triple the number of certified coaches here by 2025, Tchoukball Singapore (TBAS) has launched a Coaches’ Scholarship and Nica (National Instructors and Coaches Association) Partnership programme.
The programme aims to elevate coaching standards, offer financial assistance for certification courses and incorporate mental health training into the curriculum.
In a statement on Nov 8, TBAS said that through the collaboration, coaches will be supported with subsidies, insurance, and professional development opportunities. Funding of up to 90 per cent of the course fees will also be provided for individuals who upgrade to become a CoachSG certified coach with Sport Singapore’s (SportSG) National Registration of Coaches (NROC).
The scholarship and subsidies will help co-fund certifications such as the Foundational Sport Science, Singapore Coach Excellence Programme Theory Level 1, Safe Sport, Tchoukball Level 1 Technical and First Aid Certification, which are the basic requirements to be an NROC Coach.
TBAS president Delane Lim, who announced the initiatives at the TBAS’ Coaches Engagement Forum at the National Youth Sport Institute on Nov 8, noted that with more countries fighting for top honours in the sport, Singapore “must ensure that our coaches are professionals with both the right skill sets and commitment levels”.
He added: “Our focus on structured coach development and professional growth is essential to building a sustainable future for tchoukball. Through our scholarships, partnerships, and enhanced certification pathways, we’re not only raising the standard of coaching but also creating a supportive ecosystem that values the contributions of every coach.
“This is our investment in the sport’s future.”
With this partnership, Nica membership for active tchoukball coaches will be subsidised, and they will also receive other benefits such as financial assistance for professional development, access to legal advice, insurance protection, and further support in their coaching careers.
There are currently 20 certified tchoukball coaches in Singapore and TBAS is aiming to triple that number to 60 by the end of 2025 to meet the increased demand from schools and community programmes.
In tandem with its target for coaches, the national sports association said that its goal is to build a base of 180 national development players and over 500 active players.
Former national athlete Muhammad Raziq, 23, who is transiting into coaching, said: “I look forward to pursuing this career where there’s support to develop my coaching skills, from foundational courses to mental health training. It’s encouraging to see a pathway where we can grow as professionals and make a meaningful impact.”
TBAS will also encourage its coaches to be trained in dealing with mental health issues by introducing technical coaching courses, which now include a mental health module.
Lim said: “Incorporating mental health into our coaching curriculum is essential for the holistic development of both athletes and coaches. We recognise that a coach’s influence goes beyond technical skills; it extends to fostering resilience, empathy, and a supportive environment for athletes.
“By equipping our coaches with mental health awareness and resources, we’re empowering them to nurture well-rounded athletes who thrive both on and off the court.”
