PDGA's Latin American Coach Education Program Soars

The Professional Disc Golf Association's (PDGA) initiative to grow disc golf in Latin America has reached a significant milestone with the successful launch of its Coach Education Program. Launched in 2022, the program aimed to promote disc golf and support local events across the region.

As part of the initial programming, the PDGA focused on promoting Marco Polo grants, supporting new countries' first events, and translating key resources into Spanish. However, a key need that emerged from this process was the need for formalized coach education programs.

To address this gap, the PDGA turned to Señor Leon Blanco #74135, a Sports Educator from Spain with an impressive track record. Leon has developed a comprehensive program for teaching the basics of disc golf and has successfully integrated it into Spain's Physical Education system. What's more, he's also proven himself as a top player by winning the Spanish MPO Championship in October 2024.

Leon Blanco is renowned for his expertise in coaching and has developed an innovative approach to teaching that emphasizes participatory learning methods. This approach focuses on engaging students directly in the teaching process, making them active participants rather than passive learners.

The program selected 46 applicants from across Latin America, with 35 students proceeding to participate in the initial online modules. Over 40 hours of interactive content was presented, providing students with a solid foundation in disc golf fundamentals. The online module concluded in early November and was followed by a hands-on field session held in Colombia.

Travel costs for out-of-country participants were subsidized by the PDGA, facilitating a seamless experience for all involved. After completing the final field sessions, 29 local leaders from 9 countries received their diplomas as PDGA Basic Disc Golf Coaches. This achievement not only acknowledges their skills but also paves the way for future employment opportunities within the region's sports systems.

The field modules took place in Bogotá and Medellín, utilizing facilities that benefited from PDGA Marco Polo grants or collaborations with organizations such as the Paul McBeth Foundation. Participants received 8 hours of direct coaching from Leon Blanco and then had practical teaching experience by instructing local players on the basics of backhand, forehand, and putting.

The program's success has laid the groundwork for a lasting impact in Latin America. Following the inaugural edition, future plans are already being developed for the second iteration in 2025. The PDGA is exploring potential improvements to the programming while maintaining its core structure: online modules followed by field sessions and local training initiatives.

The program's ultimate goal is to empower local leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote disc golf within their communities, thus solidifying a lasting legacy for the sport in Latin America.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/training-trainers