September 22-30, 2018 is National Coaches Week, a time to celebrate the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities across Canada. This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by simply saying #ThanksCoach. You can follow all of the National Coaches Week social media action on Facebook and Twitter using hashtags #CoachesWeek and #ThanksCoach.
Cycling BC would like to say #ThanksCoach to all the coaches out there for playing a crucial role in building a healthy and active community.
We will be posting a series of coach profiles on our website throughout National Coaches Week, September 22-30, and have asked athletes to take this opportunity to say “thanks” to their coaches.
Our #ThanksCoach spotlight today is on Brandon Archer, Head Coach of the Kelowna Red Devils Cycling Academy and Cycling BC’s iRide Head Coach and Regional Coordinator for the Okanagan.
Jaxon Slaney of the Red Devils pays tribute to Brandon with this #ThanksCoach profile.
#ThanksCoach Profile: Brandon Archer
Pick 3 words to describe your coach.
Organized, committed, and encouraging.
Organized: Every season, Brandon is organized and persistent. Whether it’s for a pre-race plan for the club or for training that week he is always on it. Even though he is a busy person, he always makes time to assist me if I have any questions or concerns. When he works on local projects, he gives himself lots of time to prepare so they can be the best they can be.
Committed: Brandon is committed to giving me a training plan that helps me develop as a cyclist and achieve my goals. He is also open and honest about his own goals, which helps me set and work towards my own. He is also determined to help out as many cyclists as he can by being the Head Coach of Red Devils, coaching for the iRide program, organizing clinics and the being involved in the AMYDF camp.
Encouraging: With Brandon as a coach, I am always encouraged to be my best on and off the bike. He inspires me to keep working hard no matter what obstacle comes in my way. Cycling is a very difficult sport and Brandon’s coaching skills help keep me on track and motivated to keep pushing harder each training ride, local race, or high level race.
What lesson has your coach instilled in you?
Brandon has taught me many lessons that help me with my training and everyday life. My favourite moral is ‘Treat yourself like you would treat your friends’. It helps me stay positive and motivated even when results, school and daily challenges don’t go my way.
What does your coach do that makes him a great coach?
Brandon devotes so much time and effort into Red Devils and his athletes. He has really shaped the club into a positive atmosphere. He is constantly brainstorming ideas on how to improve Red Devils each year. To raise money for 2019 he organized a local ride that would bring exposure to our growing grassroots team. This helps athletes like myself get more resources each year we are involved.
Why do you want to say “thanks, coach”?
I want to say thanks coach because I would not have made Nationals and had a successful Rimouski Tour without Brandon. I am very fortunate for all the support and opportunities I was given along the way with the detailed training plan. I am looking forward to the 2019 season with Brandon.
#ThanksCoach
With events held across the country to celebrate coaching, National Coaches Week provides coaches with the recognition they deserve for the time they devote to ensuring Canadians live an active, healthy lifestyle.
Stay up to date with everything happening leading up to National Coaches Week by visiting www.coach.ca/nationalcoachesweek and by following along on Facebook and Twitter using #CoachesWeek and #ThanksCoach.
For more information on coaching and how to become a cycling coach, please go to our Coaching Resources or check out the events calendar for upcoming coaching courses in your area.
Cycling BC will be holding an NCCP Let’s Ride! Community Initiation coaching course on Saturday, October 20, 2018 for everything you need to start coaching. Register now to reserve your spot.
