UTT Lecturer Develops National Coach Education System Through Prestigious International Programme

Mr Kyle Hannays, Instructor II at the Centre for Kinesiology, Physical Education and Sport (CKPES) at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), has successfully completed the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP), a globally recognised coaching development initiative delivered by the University of Delaware in partnership with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and supported by the International Olympic Committee.

The nine-month programme, comprising over 350 hours of advanced study, is designed to develop coaching leaders through the integration of applied research, performance science, and sport system design. It included a two-week residency at the University of Delaware and a high-performance internship at the IMG Academy, an elite training environment that has supported athletes such as Serena Williams.

At the core of the programme was a research-based national project, through which Hannays designed and piloted a National Coach Education and Licensing System for Tennis in Trinidad and Tobago. Grounded in international best practices and evidence-based coaching frameworks, the project addresses critical gaps in coach development, certification standards, and long-term athlete progression within the local sport system.

The initiative has significant implications for sport development in Trinidad and Tobago, with strong potential for adaptation across multiple sports. By aligning coach education with structured licensing pathways and continuous professional development, the model provides a scalable framework to improve coaching quality, strengthen governance, and enhance athlete outcomes.
Hannays’ work was formally assessed during a final research defence held from April 17-23 in Lausanne, Switzerland, where it received high commendation from an international panel for its depth, methodological rigour, and practical application. The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony at the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, where he received his certificate from IOC President Kirsty Coventry.

Reflecting on the experience, Hannays noted that the programme provided valuable exposure to global best practices in coaching science and athlete development. “The opportunity to develop a project with direct national relevance, while engaging with international experts, made the experience especially impactful," he said.
This achievement represents a significant milestone for CKPES and UTT, reinforcing their role in producing research that informs sport policy, strengthens coaching systems, and supports sustainable athlete development in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.