The 10th cohort of the highly successful Nippon Sport Science University Coach Developer Academy (NCDA) has completed the first of its two residential learning weeks in Tokyo, held from 5–11 July.

Twelve coach developers from nine countries came together for an intensive week of learning, collaboration, and professional growth. Throughout the residential program, participants strengthened their coach developer expertise while exploring strategies to build and enhance coach development systems within their own organisations and countries.

The NCDA is designed as a learning laboratory – a safe and supportive environment where participants are encouraged to experiment with new approaches, challenge themselves by practising new skills, and exchange ideas with fellow coach developers from around the world. This collaborative experience fosters innovation, critical reflection, and the development of a global network of coach development leaders.

The International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) is proud to collaborate with Nippon Sport Science University in the delivery and ongoing development of the NCDA, supporting its mission to strengthen coach development capacity and advance high-quality coaching systems around the world.

Originally established as part of the Japanese government’s Sport for Tomorrow Olympic and Paralympic legacy programme, the NCDA continues to make a significant contribution to coach development worldwide. The program is now made possible through the financial support of IOC Olympic Solidarity, ensuring that coach developers from across the globe can continue to benefit from this unique learning experience.

The cohort will reconvene later in the program for their second residential week, building on the knowledge, relationships, and practical experiences gained during this first phase of the academy.