SPORTS coaches throughout Kent are being urged to make the most of a special opportunity.

Places are still available for the Kent Coaching Conference to be held on Saturday, March 29, at County Hall, Maidstone.

The event is open, free of charge, to any person involved, or wishing to become involved, in sports coaching. Topics will include long term athlete development, and working with schools.

Participants will have the opportunity of attending two workshops covering a variety of issues including child protection issues and legal jargon.

Among the speakers are Branislav Bazany, the England women’s national team coach for basketball, and Kent’s international decathlete Darren Hatton.

Shelley Eaton, manager of the Kent Active Sports Partnership, said: "The aim is to bring all coaches up to speed with the latest developments, share ideas and learn from the experts, who we are sure will leave everyone enthused to develop the great work they are carrying out in our county."

The conference begins at 1.30pm and will finish at 6pm, before to the Kent Coach of the Year Awards.

To register, contact: Rosie Tribe on 01622 605038/07786 191560; e-mail rosie.tribe@kent.gov.uk or

Jennifer Taylor on 01622 605055; email:

jennifer.taylor@kent.gov.uk