Nick Harding | @nickhdg | Sportscene - ICF Lecturer and Coach, Zakaria Mahmoudi lead a 10-day intensive course in Rabat, Morocco before Christmas last year to enhance its coaches' skillsets, results have been promising.

This enterprise, in partnership with the Moroccan Canoe Kayak Federation and the Moroccan NOC, challenged 25 participants of existing-coaches, PE teachers and athletes to strenuous theoretical and practical tests.

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Using video observation, athlete analysis and real-life simulations, the 21 men and 4 women crammed hard on their general knowledge, coaching techniques, teaching methodologies all at ICF Level 1 Coach standard. Physically they also had to endure hours of safety, rescue, equipment, strength and technique-testing.

19 passed onto Level 2, including all four female coaches! President Mamoun Belabbess (MCKF) took time out from chatting to reporters to congratulate the graduates.  

All those involved with this training programme will take an active interest in next month's election when Morocco's National Federation decides its technical committee. Aspirational goals include increasing the number of paddlers, qualified coaches, affiliated clubs, regional events and importantly the number of female athletes.

Most recently Rabat successfully hosted the first ever multi-sport African Youth Games last July where a record 9 out of 10 listed countries entered, 16 athletes fought out the canoe medals. Third place overall, Morocco took home 2 Silvers and 2 Bronzes, one of each in slalom and sprint thanks to Benabdallah Imad, Ben Said Youssef and Rimi Kawtar who medalled twice for the women.

Morocco's big dreams are not just for qualification but also performance at this year's World Championships.

For more information you can download the report below.