A new study published in Sports Coaching Review has found that vocational coach education programmes can play an important role in developing coaches’ intrapersonal knowledge, including self-awareness and professional growth.

Researchers Simo Siltanen, Kirsi Hämäläinen, Minna Blomqvist, Reijo Bottas, and Arja Sääkslahti examined how eight coaches developed through participation in a Vocational Coach Education Programme (vCEP).

The study found that social learning and ongoing opportunities for reflection helped coaches broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of their coaching practice. While the quality of reflection did not significantly change, coaches reported increased self-awareness and professional development.

The researchers conclude that coach education programmes should create environments that encourage meaningful reflection, open discussion, and engagement with diverse perspectives to support long-term coach development.

The article, Intrapersonal Knowledge Development in Vocational Coach Education Programme, was published online in Sports Coaching Review on 22 June 2026.