3-WEEK COURSE: 'BE' a Better Coach

Explore and apply the philosophy of 3 unique thinkers and 'BE' the best sports coach you can be.

Starts 12th January 2023.

Philosophy FOR Coaching

Sports coaches are often asked to think about and reflect on their philosophy OF coaching.

But something big is being missed. The benefits of philosophy FOR coaching.

Many great philosophical thinkers through time have had a lot to say about the human condition.

And some of these ideas are goldust for coaches.

🔎 What is this course about?

In this course, we'll explore, demystify, and apply the work of three great French philosophers: Albert Camus (1913-1960), Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986), and Jean Paul Sartre (1905-1980).

You'll develop a firm grasp of some of their key concepts and acquire practical strategies to implement in your day-to-day life and coaching practice.

You'll learn how to embrace your absurd nature, be less serious, and more authentic.

You'll deepen your appreciation of your true passions, embrace the vital grind, and motivate the people you support to do the same.

🤔 Who is this course for?

This course is for any sports coach, practitioner, or support staff who work with and help athletes of any level.

It’s for people who are intellectually curious and enjoy thinking deeply about what they do, how they do it, and why.

Put simply, it's for people who are passionate about becoming the best person they can be and doing the best job possible.

😀 Who delivers it?

Dr John Stoszkowski lectured in sports coaching at the University of Central Lancashire from 2010-2021. Prior to that he was a coach development manager at The Professional Golfers’ Association. He was awarded his PhD in 2015, which focuses on coach learning and the development of critical reflection. John has published over 30 research papers and is forever trying to improve his golf game.

Find John on Twitter: @JohnStoskowski

Dr Danny Massaro has been a squash coach for over 20 years, working with players from junior level right up to the professional world tour. His most famous protégé also happens to be his wife, former world No.1 and world champion, Laura Massaro. Danny lectures in sports coaching and performance psychology and is a keen DJ. He was awarded his PhD in 2022, which focuses on living well through a sporting life.

Find Danny on Twitter: @dannymaz1

Listen to John and Danny's podcast here: The ThinkSpace Podcast

Visit the ThinkSpace website

🧠 What you’ll get

This course is made up of 3 live sessions, each lasting 2 hours. 

Each session is fun, relaxed, and has a non-pressured vibe. 

You’ll be presented with some core ideas and we'll explore and discuss how they can be applied.

🎓 Course curriculum

Week 1: Albert Camus

• The role of ‘the absurd’ in life and sport.
• Developing a genuine and positively rebellious attitude.
• Avoiding the guru trap and imprisonment in the doctrines of others.

Week 2: Simone de Beauvoir

• Embracing ambiguity and actualising your freedom.
• Being less serious and living with passion.
• Identifying projects and activities you find meaningful to you.

Week 3: Jean Paul Sartre

• Facticity, bad faith, and 'keeping it real'.
• Taking part in your potential and making positive predictions.
• Relaxing, finding balance, and experiencing life as a coach wholeheartedly.

🧑‍💻 Course structure

This is a cohort-based course, which means sessions are live and interactive. ​​

Each workshop is participant-centered with active learning a key feature. 

You’ll get peer accountability, challenge, and real-time feedback to deepen your knowledge.

Each cohort is limited to 12 places to ensure a high level of interaction and personalised feedback, care, and support.

There'll be no homework or required reading, and everything you'll need to learn will be delivered during the live sessions.

🗓 Dates and schedule

• 3x weeks, 1x session per week, 2 hours per session.
• Session Dates: 12th January 2023; 19th January; 26th January.
• Session Times: Thursdays @ 11:00 am (UK).
• Live online course via Zoom.
• All sessions are taught in English and will be recorded and available forever.
• Course Price: £95

Enhanced experience

🏛 Course and Community of Practice (£115)

As above, but you also get access to an exclusive private-members' platform where between live sessions you’ll be able to ask questions, share your progress, get feedback, ask for help, brainstorm ideas, and more. 

This will be your support network as you work on "becoming" a better coach.

👥 Course, Community of Practice, and Consultation (£395)

As above, with 1:1 sense-making support to further your thinking. 

This includes a 60 minute Zoom call with John each week and unlimited private email/messaging support.

Limited to 4 places.

ℹ️ Important information

You'll receive the Zoom invitation to each session a few days before the course starts. 

You won't get any academic jargon and you don't need any prior academic knowledge to enrol.

This course is not attached to an institution so you will not be able to claim academic credits.

We believe curiosity fuels learning, not rigorous coercion. So there's no assignments, exams or grades.

We will of course recommend various resources (books, films, podcasts, documentaries etc.) to supplement the ideas covered in sessions.

The live sessions will be recorded and uploaded to a private YouTube channel to which you will be given access.

PLEASE NOTE:

Although priced in GBP (£), Gumroad will charge you in US dollars ($) at checkout. If you are outside the US, this means your bank may add a foreign transaction fee.

If you would prefer to pay in GBP (£) via direct bank transfer or PayPal, or if you require an invoice for your employer, please email John: john@thinkspace.academy

🤩 Testimonials

"John constantly challenged my thinking and got me to reflect and think again on many tightly held beliefs. I came away from sessions with new ways of thinking and viewing the world. His encouragement has had a major impact on how I now view my profession. In fact, I gain greater pleasure from my coaching daily thanks to the guiding hand much of his teaching has provided."

— Nick Davey, Director of Hockey, Sedbergh School (@nkdvy)

“Danny has helped me understand myself so much better and guided me to make constant commitments to my squash despite all the things life throws up. I’ve stopped getting too down when things inevitably don’t always go my way. It’s not always just about the squash.” 

— Marwan Elshorbagy,  World No. 7 Men’s Squash Player (@maelshorbagy)

"John has been one of, if not the most influential person in my academic journey. He helped me become a better learner, which in turn has resulted in me being a better practitioner and a better person. All great teachers inspire, and John has inspired me to want to learn more everyday to be the most knowledgeable, and best version of myself I can be."

— Daniel Reece, Lead Youth Development Coach, Shrewsbury Town (@DanielR29650955)

 “Danny has helped me realise how the way I view my life and my competitive journey directly affects how I compete. It’s not typical sport psychology but more linked to how I organise my head in life generally that helps me organise my thinking on court.”

— Joelle King, World No. 5 Women’s Squash Player (@Joelle_King)

“Throughout my time taught by John, I was continually challenged on any beliefs and definitives, realising for myself the shades of grey which learning and life entails. I’m grateful to John for his role in changing how I perceive learning, which I have carried through my career to date."

— Sarah Nickless, The Football Association (@SarahNickless)

“Danny has helped me silence both the internal and external noise that often creeps up in professional sport and life. He has helped me find peace in being my authentic self which has made room for clarity, enjoyment, inspiration, and courage. I think my rise up the rankings is massively due to his work with me.” 

— Olivia Fiechter, World No. 11 Women’s Squash Player (@OliviaFiechter1)