SP4007 - Long Term Athlete Development and Child Development

What will I learn on this module?

You will have the opportunity to learn and develop your knowledge of the different models, principles and processes of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD). The module addresses the key principles of growth and maturation in children and allows you to examine normal physical and motor development of children and to identify where developmental patterns are not as expected.

You will develop an insight into some of the injuries and medical issues of concern to the coach when working with young athletes and how to minimise the risks and put in place preventative measures. On completion of the module you should be able to demonstrate knowledge of Multi Skills acquisition covering the areas of FUNdamentals, A, B, C’s and the correct techniques of developing these skills.

How will I learn on this module?

You will be supported in your learning by engaging in lectures, seminars, laboratory and coaching practicals, workshops and independent learning. In your practical sessions, your will be taught by experienced tutors and will engage in ‘hands-on’ coaching from the start.
You will also have the comprehensive use of the university Electronic Learning Platform (eLP) and the novel use of IT interactive delivery systems, for both the delivery of lectures and interactive workshops, and for the assessment of your work.

Taught content will be a combination of tutor and student led activities with an emphasis on you reflecting on and discussing your own coaching practice and the relevant topic areas around growth, maturation and long term athlete development. You will have the opportunity to debate key issues related to your own and other’s coaching practice and acquire knowledge, skills and experience in a practical context.

In addition, you will be able to take advantage of the University Library’s Skills Plus programme as you develop your skills as a first year student. Specific tutor support and access to facilities (e.g., Sport Central, IT Suites and the Performance Analysis Labs) will be provided to enable you to develop your coaching practice and analytical skills. You will also have access to a Discussion Board (via the eLP) where support from peers and module staff can be accessed in relation to the module’s content and assessments. In your practical sessions, you will be taught by experienced tutors and will engage in ‘hands-on’ coaching from the start.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through directed learning tasks, electronic and interactive content via the eLP, lectures, an electronic reading list and 1-1 support from an academic tutor. You will be expected to be proactive in identifying and raising issues for discussion with the module leader and your guidance tutor in particular. These should be prompted by your reading, planning, practice and review related to the module’s content.

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Describe and compare stages within the Long Term Athlete Development models.
2. Evaluate the principles of growth, maturation and motor control in children / young athletes in the pathway and how they impact upon the child and participation in sporting activities.
3. Discuss injuries, medical issues and ethical issues of concern to the coach when working with the growing child.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

4. Demonstrate a knowledge and practical application of multi skills acquisition and the ability to plan and deliver a multi skills coaching session

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Discuss ethical issues of concern to the coach when working with the growing child.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Practical (75%)

Practical Coaching session where students will plan, and deliver a 10 minute multi skills session. (LO 1, 4, & 5)
Component 2: Coaching viva (25%) (LO 2 & 3)

Each student will be required to individually answer a series of questions regarding the rationale for their session design and to reflect on LTAD principles. The viva will last approximately 7-10minutes).

2. Formative assessment will be provided to students on an individual and group basis throughout practical workshops, seminars and tutorials giving the opportunity for the student to self-reflect on progress. Students will have an opportunity to practice practical skills. They will gain formative assessment from peers and tutors throughout their multi-skills coaching practice.

Students will gain tutor feedback from the summative assessment via the front cover sheet and written feedback on the performance in the practical coaching (coaching session plan, practical assessment criteria sheet, self-evaluation).

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The Module aims to provide students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge of the different models, principles and processes on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD). On completion of the module students will demonstrate a knowledge of Multi Skills acquisition (in line with UK Coaching expectations covering the areas of FUNdamentals, A, B, C’s and the correct techniques of developing these skills.

In addition to this you will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding in the key principles of growth and maturation in children. It will allow you the opportunity to examine normal physical and motor development of children and to identify where developmental patterns are not as expected. You will develop an insight into some of the injuries and medical issues of concern to the coach when working with young athletes and how to minimise the risks and put in place preventative measures.

Course info

UCAS Code CX65

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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