Coaches in youth sports in the community are being highlighted through National Coaches Week.

The Alberta Sport Development Centre is collaborating with Wood Buffalo Sport Connection to host the week locally.

A number of events are being planned for coaches – including free National Coaching Certification Program courses courtesy of Coach Canada.

Sports Partnership Coordinator with Wood Buffalo Sport Connection Nicole Sanders tells Mix News there’s a number of benefits that comes from coaching.

“I have a lot of respect for what coaches do. For the way they have to interact and mould people. It’s definitely not an easy thing to take on and I respect anybody that pursues that.”

Sanders notes coaches are imperative to the development of young athletes.

Karly Anderson of the Alberta Sport Development Centre adds there are many skills to be gained from becoming a coach.

“A coach is somebody that is passionate about sport and they go above and beyond other work responsibilities and it takes a lot of dedication. It takes a lot of patience and they are just great leaders.”

National Coaches Week runs from September 21-29.

More information can be found by clicking this link.