The Rangatahi Coaching Programme is a beginner-level coach education opportunity designed for Northland Secondary School students. Administered by Sport Northland, the programme collaborates with Regional Sport Organisations to facilitate workshops.

In 2024, the pilot programme was launched in the Whangarei district, successfully educating 100 students over a one-day course. Many of these students returned in July for a follow-up session, demonstrating the programmes impact and effectiveness.

One of the standout participants is Paige Pullman, now a Year 13 student at Huanui College and one of the school's Deputy Head Prefects for 2025. Paige's journey through the programme highlights its potential to help young coaches have a positive experience through the early stages of coaching.

Paige's first year of coaching began in 2024 when she was asked by the manager at Ngunguru School to coach a Year 7&8 netball team. Her love for helping people and passion for netball made her eager to take on the challenge. With the Rangatahi Coaching Programme taking place in February, it was an ideal lead into the season.

Paige shared her experiences and the impact of the Rangatahi Coaching Programme.  "The workshop set me up really well, allowing me to learn skills and ways to teach my team. I felt as though I went from not having much, to having a lot of knowledge.   I also learnt lots of drills which were helpful."

She emphasised the importance of understanding her team's level of skill to cater to the needs of her participants. Learning through doing was crucial for maintaining enjoyment throughout the season.

Season Highlights

Paige's approach to coaching focused on understanding her team's goals. The team aimed to have fun and improve their skills rather than solely focusing on winning. This approach led to a positive and enjoyable season, with players having ample opportunities to try different positions and discover what they enjoyed most.  "It was so great to see their huge smiles at training and having a great time out there".  Significantly, the team received a Sportsmanship Award at the end of their season!

The programme boosted Paige's confidence in coaching. She highly recommends it for new coaches and those looking to refine their skills. Paige noted a few areas for improvement, such as better support following the workshop and more umpire training for coaches, since they can be thrown into umpiring unexpectedly at times.  "Coaching has really helped me to grow as a person; I feel as though it really improved my confidence in leadership."

In 2025, Paige continues her coaching journey at Huanui College, this time hoping to co-coach with a friend to share the load.  "I loved every minute of it, and I'm so excited for this year – but I will also be sad to not coach my Ngunguru School team anymore".

The Rangatahi Coaching Programme continues to empower young coaches like Paige, fostering a new generation of confident and skilled leaders in sport.

The 2025 programme is now underway with three workshops in Kaipara, Mid North and Whangarei. To find out more details about the Rangatahi Coaching Programme, please talk to your school Sport Coordinator or get in touch with Ellie Eastwood, Sport Northland's Regional System Connector at elliee@sportnorth.co.nz.

Article written by Ellie Eastwood Craig, Regional System Connector