Five Things I Learned Through My Open Campus Placement Experience

We speak to Jaiden Manders on what he has learned through his time with Open Campus at Cardiff Metropolitan University. (Video interview below) A huge thank you to Jaidens lecturer for the industry placement Lowri Edwards and tutor George Jennings.

1. The importance of communication in coaching

During my placement, I learned that effective communication is at the heart of good coaching. It’s not just about giving instructions, but about how those instructions are delivered. I had to adapt my language depending on the age, ability, and confidence level of the participants. Clear demonstrations, positive tone, and active listening all helped build trust and understanding within the group.

2. Adapting sessions to meet individual needs

I discovered that no two participants learn in the same way. Some required more visual demonstrations, while others benefited from step-by-step guidance or repetition. This experience taught me how to modify drills and activities to ensure everyone could take part and improve, making sessions more inclusive and effective.

3. The value of planning and organisation

Planning sessions in advance made a significant difference in how smoothly activities ran. I learned to structure sessions with a warm-up, main activity, and cool-down, while also preparing backup plans in case something didn’t work as expected. Good organisation helped maximise time and kept participants engaged throughout.

4. Building confidence as a coach

At the start of my placement, I felt nervous leading activities, but over time I became more confident in delivering sessions and making decisions. Taking responsibility, receiving feedback, and reflecting on my performance helped me grow and develop my coaching style.

5. Understanding the role of reflection and feedback

I learned that reflecting on each session is key to improving as a coach. Thinking about what went well and what could be improved allowed me to make adjustments for future sessions. Feedback from supervisors and participants also provided valuable insights that supported my development.

Video below by Eloise Place, Cardiff Met Sport Masters Student

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk-kpFnNISs