09/08/2018
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CIMSPA and UKSCA developing standards and endorsement partnership

The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) is pleased to announce that it will be developing an important new partnership with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA).

CIMSPA is the chartered professional body for the sport and physical activity sector and UKSCA is the professional body for strength and conditioning in the UK.

At the centre of the intended partnership is a commitment to collaboration between the two organisations on areas of common interest. This will ensure that newly developed career pathways and professional standards for professionals are aligned to the needs of employers, employees and the wider sport and physical activity sector and are complementary to those established in the strength and conditioning profession.

UKSCA and CIMSPA will work together to define the professional standards for strength and conditioning trainers and coaches to agree the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviours these professionals require. This will maintain the established “Accredited S&C Coach” (ASCC) standard, but build on this to provide a pathway for coach development. The two bodies will also explore opportunities to develop apprenticeship standards.

The two organisations share a goal of creating a more standardised approach to higher education course endorsement for strength and conditioning-related HE programmes, aligned to agreed professional standards. This will provide clarity and confidence to the HE sector, through which CIMSPA will recognise those HE institutions working with UKSCA and will consider developing a joint endorsement process. They will also work together to consider how UKSCA members may benefit from chartered status as strength and conditioning coaches.

Speaking about the intended partnership, Tara Dillon, CIMSPA CEO said: “I’m very pleased CIMSPA will be moving forwards in partnership with UKSCA – strength and conditioning coaches have a big role to play in increasing the health and wellbeing of the general population.

“UKSCA’s expertise in strength and conditioning is world-renowned and our partnership will provide clarity to the sector and clear career pathways for members of both organisations.”

Pete McKnight, Chair of UKSCA, has added: “This exciting new partnership will provide a concrete pathway for new and existing members to excel in the field of strength and conditioning in the UK, whilst ensuring the highest professional standards of practice are maintained long-term.”

About UKSCA

With the support of UK Sport, the Association was launched in May 2004, with an inaugural AGM and since has grown to represent over 2600 members, of which over 800 are Accredited. The Association has the following aims:

  • To establish and maintain high professional standards for UK strength and conditioning practitioners and facilities;
  • The promotion and dissemination of good practice, knowledge and research in strength and conditioning;
  • To facilitate communication among UKSCA members;
  • To represent the interests of the membership of the UKSCA;
  • Through our members, ensure that world class coaching in strength and conditioning is available to athletes at all levels in the UK.


Visit us at https://www.uksca.org.uk

About CIMSPA

CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. CIMSPA has been awarded chartered status by the Privy Council, which came into effect at the start of January 2012. CIMSPA provides leadership, support and empowerment for professionals working in sport and physical activity and a single unified voice for the sector.