Finding My Why: Turning a Workshop into a Catalyst for Coach Development
“Have you ever run a workshop only to discover the biggest lesson was for you?”
Meet Ailbhe Ryan
I’m Ailbhe Ryan, a grassroots coach turned sport psychology practitioner in training. Currently enrolled in the Diploma in Sport & Exercise Psychology at The Mental Performance Coaching Institute (MPCI) as I pursue my Certified Mental Performance Coach Certification (CMPC) I draw on both on‑field coaching experience and evidence‑based psychological frameworks to help coaches unlock their full potential and, in turn, empower the female athletes they serve.
From Grassroots to Graduate-Level Theory
- Coaching Background: Over the last five years, I’ve coached female teams from under‑10 through adult levels in Leinster, guiding players through skill development, team building, and performance challenges.
- Academic Focus: At MPCI, I’m deepening my understanding of group dynamics, mental skills training, and performance enhancement blending modules in Sport Psychology, Coaching Psychology, and Research Methods.
- Applied Expertise: Whether it’s using the Sport Psychology Canvas to structure interventions or deploying RE‑AIM to evaluate long‑term impact, I translate complex theory into actionable strategies for real‑world coaching environments.
The Workshop That Taught Me More Than I Planned
At the Leinster’s Leading Provincial Females event, I was invited to lead a 25‑minute, participant‑led workshop with 15 coaches and 25 distinct topicsfrom “handling challenging parents” to “motivating disruptive players.” When turnout was lower than expected, I could have seen it as a setback. Instead, I paused to revisit Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle:
- Why? My purpose is to support female athletes by empowering the coaches who shape their journeys.
- How? By creating psychologically safe spaces where honest dialogue fuels growth.
- What? By guiding coaches to define clear, purpose‑driven actions on the training field.
Integrating Theory into Practice
Golden Circle in Action: Starting with Why re‑anchored the session’s focus, shifting us from presenter‑led content to co‑creative problem solving.
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: We tackled the How by exploring safety and belonging, key prerequisites for athletes to engage meaningfully with purpose.
- Harwood’s 5 Cs Framework: For the What, coaches crystallized tangible steps around Communication, Commitment, Confidence, Context, and Culture—ensuring their Why translated into everyday practice.
“By centering on Why, we transformed a small gathering into an energizing forum for real solutions.”
Key Learnings for Coach Development
- Purpose Drives Retention: A shared Why across coaches, parents, and club communities builds commitment and reduces drop‑out.
- Safety Is Non‑Negotiable: Emotional and social needs must be met before any performance work can truly stick.
- Actionable Alignment: Defining concrete, measurable steps (the What) turns abstract ideas into on‑field impact.
Why This Matters for Female Athletes
Female athletes often face unique challenges from under‑resourcing to societal stereotypes. By equipping coaches with the psychological tools to foster inclusive, purpose‑driven environments, we not only improve performance but also nurture confidence, resilience, and long‑term engagement.
Join Me on the Journey
If you’re a coach eager to:
- Clarify your own Why and embed it at every level of your programme
- Apply cutting‑edge sport psychology frameworks to boost player well‑being and performance
- Build a coaching community rooted in psychological safety and shared purpose
- The reach out to Ailbhe (ailbheryanmsc@gmail.com)
Explore the Diploma in Sport & Exercise Psychology at MPCI. Together, we can transform small workshops into powerful catalysts for change on and off the field.
