USA Wrestling is continuing the exciting program that is entering its third year, the National Team Coaching Apprentice Program, which will provide coaches the chance for professional growth with field experience on an international tour with a U.S. team.

The program was expanded this year and a few coaches were selected from last year’s Moscow trip to coach the FILA Cadets in Campeche, Mexico this coming August.  In addition, the second opportunity will provide coaches the opportunity to travel to the Senior World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.  The event is scheduled to take place September 12-18, 2011.  September 11 is the scheduled departure date and coaches will return on Monday, September 19, 2011.

"This was a very well received program last year as we ended up taking 11 coaches to the Senior World Championships in Moscow, Russia," said USA Wrestling National Coaches Education Program Mananger Cody Bickley. "Last year’s CAP attendees that traveled to Moscow gained invaluable knowledge and experience.  We had coaches that attended a sport school in Moscow in addition to watching wrestling at the highest level.  It was an amazing experience to be in the backyard of a very dominant country in the sport of wresting."

Coaches will pay for all costs associated with the trip.  Selection will be limited to 8-10 coaches.  

Coaches will be an official member of the USA delegation and will be included in events and activities associated with the competition.  They will receive an official team gear package with the trip.

To be eligible, a coach must have attended a USA Wrestling Silver College within the NCEP program, and be progressing toward a Silver or Gold level certification.  Coaches must also apply for the USA Wrestling Coaches Pool to be considered for the program (if you’ve already filled out an application for the 2009-2012 quad there is no need to submit again).

Coaches who attend the tour as an Apprentice Coach will receive two NCEP credits for their field experience, and will be required to turn in a log of the experience to earn the credits.

The application deadline for this program is June 17, 2011 for fall competition in Istanbul, Turkey. Coaches will need a deposit of $1,500 to cover the cost of the visa and the airfare upfront.  The remaining balance is due prior to departure. There are no refunds on deposits. A tentative cost for the trip would be $3,000.  This cost includes flights, transportation at event, hotel, meals, credentials, and team gear.

The final approval of Apprentice Coaches will be determined by a committee of the National Team Staff and the Manager of the NCEP. 

To apply, please download the coaches pool application from the link below, and email the completed form to Cody Bickley at cbickley@usawrestling.org

http://www.themat.com/forms/coachingap.pdf

EMAIL CODY IF YOU WANT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS TRIP. 

Feel free to email Cody Bickley with questions, or call him at the USA Wrestling headquarters at 719-598-8181.