In this guide
- What it is: British Cycling's Coach Award in BMX Race or BMX Freestyle: Introduction to Coaching first, then Coaching in Context.
- What you need first: For Introduction to Coaching: age 14 (coaching independently from 18), experience of riding a BMX, a bike in good order with at least a rear brake, and a helmet (full-face plus gloves for Race; skate-style or full-face for Freestyle). For Coaching in Context: age 18, the matching Introduction course and at least 100 hours of independent coaching.
- Cost: British Cycling lists Introduction to Coaching at £305 for BMX Race and £280 for BMX Freestyle, and Coaching in Context at £490 for BMX Race and £530 for BMX Freestyle (checked October 2026). It also offers Introduction to Coaching BMX Freestyle at a reduced £100 with support from Sport England, and bursaries for those who qualify.
- What's next: Coaching track: Activity Coach, then Coaching in Context, then the full Coach Award. Riding track: racing or freestyle.
Introduction to Coaching (Activity Coach)
- BMX Race: bike control and balance, front wheel lift, bunny hop, pumping, gate starts and jumping, on BMX tracks, pump tracks and flat ground. Up to 8 riders in race-specific sessions, or 16 in others.
- BMX Freestyle: stance, carving, jumping and basic tricks, in freestyle parks and on flat ground. Up to 6 riders.
The 6 weeks run as 2 weeks of e-learning, 3 evening virtual seminars, then a practical development day, and you need to complete every part.
Coaching in Context
- BMX Race: deadman starts, efficient jumping, wheelies, manuals and race planning, for riders up to international level. 1 to 16 riders.
- BMX Freestyle: advanced tricks across all park areas and ramps. 1 to 6 riders.
The 8 weeks mix e-learning, two virtual seminars and two development days, while you coach your own riders throughout. For BMX Race, British Cycling says some experienced Level 2 or Club Coaches can apply directly.
First aid and safeguarding
British Cycling says a first aid certificate is good practice if you coach independently. To be covered by its coaches' insurance, you need paid membership, current safeguarding training and an Emergency First Aid qualification. Neither first aid nor safeguarding is included in the course price.
BMX coach licensing pilot
British Cycling is piloting coach licensing with the BMX Race community before it reaches other disciplines. A licensed coach needs:
- a British Cycling coaching qualification;
- current British Cycling safeguarding training (CWPS or AWPS in Scotland), as other organisations' safeguarding courses aren't accepted;
- a first aid qualification;
- where required, a DBS check (PVG Scheme membership in Scotland);
- active membership, ongoing CPD and the Code of Practice.
It isn't a new qualification or a reassessment. During the pilot, British Cycling says it will subsidise the costs of these safe-to-practice standards, such as DBS checks, safeguarding and first aid.
Source: Introduction to Coaching BMX Race, Introduction to Coaching BMX Freestyle, Introduction to Coaching, Coaching in Context BMX Race, Coaching in Context BMX Freestyle, Coaching in Context and BMX Coach Licensing Pilot, British Cycling; Head injury and concussion, NHS; checked October 2026.
Governing body: British Cycling. It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for BMX, so it's the official place to find out more.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
